Brian McDermott has repeatedly stressed that England must develop a distinctive "point of difference" for the Rugby League World Cup, yet his decision to leave Jake Connor out of the squad has sparked considerable debate. Connor was already a controversial absentee from England's 3-0 Ashes loss last autumn under former coach Shaun Wane, and despite enjoying a standout season with the Leeds Rhinos that earned him a place in the Dream Team, he again finds himself on the outside. Instead, McDermott has chosen to rely on George Williams, Harry Smith and Mikey Lewis as his primary half‑backs, while also keeping an eye on Sydney Roosters centre Hugo Savala, who can cover the role if needed. According to the coach, the problem in the heavy Ashes defeat was not the individual players but the tactical blueprint that England employed – a game plan that has been tried, failed, and then abandoned many times before.
"It isn’t simply about swapping personnel," McDermott explained. "Throughout the tournament we will select the side we think can best execute the job each week, but last year the squad simply didn’t play with a clear point of difference. They stuck to the usual patterns – trying to plant the ball on a particular patch of grass and then shifting it wide to outflank Australia." He added that while England does not always rely on a single approach, the team must be willing to embrace risk and show courage. "You have to ask the opposition’s defence more questions when you have the ball, rather than loading up for a single set piece," he said.
McDermott believes that Mikey Lewis fits the desired game model better than Connor, even though Connor has enjoyed an excellent season. The coach also weighed leadership experience heavily; Lewis has already captained his side in high‑pressure fixtures such as the Challenge Cup final and the World Club Challenge, experiences that McDermott values highly.
"Jake has had a superb year – he was named Man of Steel last season and continues to perform for a top‑flight team," McDermott noted. "But I have assembled a group of players who best suit the attacking philosophy and the game model we identified weeks ago.
We cannot rely on the same old tactics; from day one of my tenure I have insisted we develop a genuine point of difference." Form, while important, is only one piece of the selection puzzle. McDermott emphasized the need for players who thrive under pressure because, in a World Cup, there are no second chances. "You must deliver in the moment and cannot revisit the game later," he said.
"I have chosen individuals with a recent history of playing in finals, winning finals, and delivering when it matters most." Mikey Lewis, for instance, helped his club win a World Cup Challenge earlier in the year and steered them to a Challenge Cup final. Although Lewis struggled with fitness towards the end of the season and served a couple of suspensions, McDermott believes his energy and attacking instincts align perfectly with the game plan. "When the team is fatigued, you need someone who will take the ball into the defensive line and make something happen – that’s what Mikey does exceptionally well," the coach explained.
The coach also highlighted the importance of running hard and making decisive decisions. "The guy runs and when he is in doubt he runs," McDermott said of Lewis. "He doesn’t hesitate; he brings energy and attitude, which can lift the whole side. In international matches everything is contested over the gain line, and you need players who can carry the ball forward when others are tiring." It is also worth noting that none of the Super League Grand Final winners Wakefield Trinity were selected for the England squad, despite having Jake Trueman, Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and Tom Johnstone in the extended list.
McDermott revealed that all four withdrew due to injuries just before the announcement. "It’s a real shame the Wakefield lads aren’t available. There was nothing we could do," he lamented.
He added that each of those players was slated for surgery later in the year, and while their form had been impressive – Trueman having a fantastic season and McMeeken delivering in finals – their unavailability forced the coach to look elsewhere. "Every one of them was in the mix, but I knew about their upcoming operations and the risk they might not be fit, so we had to adjust," McDermott concluded. In summary, McDermott’s selection policy for the World Cup revolves around a clear tactical vision, the ability to perform under pressure, and a willingness to embrace a more dynamic, run‑focused style of play. By prioritising players like Mikey Lewis who embody those qualities, he hopes England can break away from the conventional patterns that have previously limited their success on the world stage.