Jake Connor, the high‑profile backline player from Leeds Rhinos, has been excluded from the 23‑man England roster that will compete in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. The decision, announced by head coach Brian McDermatt, has raised eyebrows across the sport, as Connor has been one of the most productive play‑makers in the Super League this season. The tournament is set to take place across three nations—Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea—during October and November, and England will be looking to improve on recent performances that have left fans wanting more.
Connor’s omission is particularly striking because he finished the league campaign at the top of the assists leaderboard, registering an impressive 43 try assists, a statistic that underlines his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Connor’s exclusion is not the first time he has been left out of a major England squad. Last year he was also omitted from the Ashes series against Australia, a decision that sparked considerable debate and criticism. At that time, England suffered a 3‑0 whitewash in the home series, and many observers questioned whether the selection choices had contributed to the heavy defeat.
The controversy surrounding his non‑selection continued into the current World Cup cycle, with former Leeds head coach Brian McDermott stepping in to defend his former player. In April, McDermott publicly addressed the narrative surrounding Connor, describing it as “tremendously unfair.” He explained that the player has always been a polarising figure—some fans and pundits admire his on‑field brilliance, while others take issue with his personality or perceived attitude. McDermott emphasized that personal opinions should not eclipse the undeniable talent Connor brings to the game.
“We could sit around a table and debate whether he’s a nice person or not,” McDermott said, “but the fact remains that he is a tremendous player, a game‑breaker, and one of the best in the league.” The coach’s remarks highlight a broader discussion within rugby league about how off‑field behavior and media perception can influence selection decisions. While the sport values professionalism and team cohesion, the balance between a player’s skill set and their public image can be delicate. In Connor’s case, his on‑field contributions—particularly his vision, passing accuracy, and ability to unlock defenses—are indisputable, yet the lingering controversy appears to have played a role in the final squad composition.
Brian McDermott’s full squad list is scheduled to be released on Monday, and early indications suggest that Hull KR’s fullback Mikey Lewis will be chosen in Connor’s place. Lewis, known for his speed and defensive reliability, offers a different style of play that may align more closely with McDermott’s tactical plans for the tournament. The decision also signals a possible shift in England’s strategic approach, favoring players who can provide a balance of attacking flair and defensive solidity.
England’s World Cup campaign will kick off on 17 October with a match against Tonga in Perth. Following that opening fixture, the team will face France and then Papua New Guinea in the group stage. Historically, England has been a strong contender in the competition, finishing as runners‑up on three occasions—in 1975, 1995 and 2017—but they have never captured the title.
Their most recent deep run came in 2021, when they reached the semi‑finals on home soil before being upset by Samoa. The exclusion of a player of Connor’s caliber adds another layer of intrigue to England’s preparations.
While some fans may view the decision as a missed opportunity to field the most talented lineup possible, others might see it as a necessary step toward fostering a cohesive squad culture. The upcoming matches will provide an early test of McDermott’s selections and the overall direction he intends to steer the team. Beyond the immediate impact on the World Cup roster, Connor’s situation reflects broader themes in professional sport: the interplay between performance metrics, public perception, and coaching philosophy. As the tournament approaches, the conversation will likely continue, with pundits dissecting the merits of the squad and debating whether England’s decision will pay dividends on the field.
Regardless of the outcome, the Rugby League World Cup promises to be a showcase of the sport’s best talent from around the globe. England will aim to build on its strong heritage and recent semi‑final appearance, hoping to finally break the runner‑up barrier and claim the coveted trophy.
Whether Jake Connor’s omission proves to be a strategic masterstroke or a regrettable oversight will only be answered once the matches are played and the final whistle blows on the competition.