Brian McDermott has unveiled his 23‑man England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, opting to include Hull Kingston Rovers half‑back Mikey Lewis in place of the previously‑selected Jake Connor. The decision sparked surprise among fans, as Connor, who was honoured with last season's Super League Man of Steel award, enjoyed another prolific campaign with the Hull KR side, delivering a league‑leading 43 try assists and establishing himself as one of the competition's most creative play‑makers. Lewis, by contrast, earned his place through a season of consistent attacking output, crossing the try‑line 17 times and adding 14 assists of his own. His versatility and proven record in high‑pressure matches convinced McDermott that he would add a fresh dynamic to England’s attacking structure heading into the tournament.
Two further notable absences from the roster were Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and his teammate Tom Johnstone, both of whom withdrew from consideration after sustaining injuries that would impede their ability to compete at the highest level. In addition, Hull KR’s own Jake Trueman missed out due to a lingering injury that ruled him out of contention.
England’s World Cup journey will commence at HBF Park in Perth, Australia, where they will face Tonga on Saturday, 17 October. The squad will then travel to meet France a week later on 24 October, setting up a challenging opening two‑match schedule that will test the depth and cohesion of McDermott’s selections. A significant portion of the squad – seven players – hail from the Wigan Warriors, reflecting the club’s continued influence on the national side. Among the Wigan contingent are three uncapped talents: centre Zach Eckersley, forward Harry Smith and the promising forward Junior Nsemba, each of whom earned a first‑time call‑up after impressive displays in the Super League.
The squad also welcomes back Victor Radley, the Sydney Roosters lock who helped his club secure the NRL Grand Final title on the previous Sunday. Radley’s return adds experience and leadership to the forward pack, while his Roosters teammate Hugo Savala joins him as one of five uncapped players selected for the tournament. Savala, along with Eckersley, Brisbane Broncos pair Max King and Ben Talty, and Wigan’s Sam Walters, represent the fresh blood that McDermtt hopes will inject vigor into the England set‑up.
Herbie Farnworth, named Dally M Centre of the Year, and Dom Young – a Grand Final participant and one of England’s standout performers at the 2022 World Cup – are also back in the squad, providing a blend of proven international pedigree and recent form. Their inclusion underscores the coaching staff’s intent to blend seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. The NRL contingent expands further with Gold Coast Titans full‑back AJ Brimson, Wests Tigers centre Kai Pearce‑Paul, and Canberra Raiders forward Morgan Smithies, each bringing the intensity and physicality of Australian club competition to the English side. Warrington Wolves, fresh from guiding their club to the Super League Grand Final, will be led once again by captain George Williams.
Williams will be joined by fellow Wolves players Ashton and Currie, creating a core of players familiar with each other’s playing style. Hull KR’s Jez Litten also makes the squad, pairing with his club teammate Mikey Lewis, while St Helens’ Jack Welsby is the sole representative from his club. Speaking after the announcement, McDermott highlighted the extensive and deliberate selection process that underpinned the final roster.
He explained that the England programme has adopted a “unique decentralised preparation model,” allowing the coaching staff to work closely with players well before they assemble for the official camp. This approach, he said, gave each athlete the chance to develop a deeper self‑awareness – understanding personal strengths, distinctive attributes, and the specific areas requiring improvement to meet the rigours of international competition. McDermott added that the process also clarified each player’s role within England’s overarching Game Model.
By the time the squad gathers for the pre‑tournament camp, the players will already be familiar with the expectations attached to their positions, the standards they must uphold, and how their individual skill sets can contribute to the team’s desired style of play. "The aim is that when the players arrive in camp, they are not starting from day one trying to understand what is expected of them. They already understand their role, the standards attached to it and how their individual strengths can contribute to the way England wants to play," he said.
The final roster lists the following athletes: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Max King (Canterbury Bulldogs), Morgan Knowles (Dolphins), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Brad O'Neill (Wigan Warriors), Kai Pearce‑Paul (Wests Tigers), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights). This blend of seasoned internationals, rising Super League stars, and NRL talent aims to give England a balanced, dynamic squad capable of competing for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup title.