Leeds Rhinos' marquee player Jake Connor has not been included in the 23-man England roster for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, a decision that has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. The omission comes as England prepares to compete in the tournament, which will take place across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea during October and November of this year.
Connor's exclusion is particularly surprising given his recent accolades and statistical achievements. He was awarded the prestigious Man of Steel title last season, an honor that recognises the best player in the Super League. Moreover, he topped the league’s assist charts, delivering 43 assists—a testament to his playmaking ability and vision on the field. Despite these credentials, he finds himself left out of the squad, mirroring a similar snub he experienced during the previous year’s Ashes series.
The background to this decision stretches back to the 2023 Ashes series, where England faced a dominant Australian side and suffered a 3‑0 whitewash. In that campaign, Connor was controversially omitted from the squad selected by then‑coach Shaun Wane. The exclusion sparked a debate about selection policies and the weight given to form versus past performance. After that series, Wane stepped down, and former Leeds head coach Brian McDermott was appointed to take charge of the national side through the World Cup.
McDermott has been a vocal defender of Connor. In an interview in April, he criticised the media narrative surrounding the player, describing it as "tremendously unfair".
He acknowledged that Connor is a polarising figure—some supporters admire his skill and tenacity, while others take issue with his on‑field demeanor. McDermott argued that such personal judgments should not eclipse the player's undeniable talent.
He emphasized that Connor is a "tremendous player", a "fantastic player" and a "game‑breaker", underscoring his capacity to change the course of a match with a single play. Despite McDermott’s public support, the final squad list, set to be revealed on Monday, does not feature Connor.
Instead, the selection committee appears to have opted for Hull KR fullback Mikey Lewis, who is expected to take the spot that might have gone to Connor. Lewis brings his own set of strengths to the team, including speed, agility and a proven track record in high‑pressure situations, which may have tipped the balance in his favour. England’s World Cup campaign is slated to begin on October 17, when they will face Tonga in Perth. The schedule also includes fixtures against France and Papua New Guinea, offering the team a mix of challenges across different playing conditions.
Historically, England has been a strong contender in the competition, having finished as runners‑up on three occasions—in 1975, 1995 and 2017. More recently, the team reached the semi‑finals on home soil in 2021, only to be knocked out by Samoa in a tightly contested match. The decision to leave Connor out of the squad may have several underlying factors.
Some analysts suggest that the coaching staff is looking to refresh the squad with younger talent, or to adjust the team’s tactical approach for the varied conditions they will encounter in the Southern Hemisphere. Others point to the lingering controversy from the Ashes series, implying that off‑field perceptions may still be influencing selection choices.
Regardless of the rationale, the omission will likely fuel further discussion among supporters and commentators. Jake Connor remains a high‑impact player in the Super League, and his exclusion from the national team at a crucial juncture raises questions about how form, reputation and team dynamics are weighted in the selection process. As England embarks on its World Cup journey, the spotlight will be on how the chosen squad performs without one of the league’s most prolific playmakers, and whether the decision will be vindicated by success on the field.
The upcoming matches will provide a clear indicator of the squad’s cohesion and effectiveness. If England can navigate the early fixtures against Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea with a blend of experience and emerging talent, they may still have a strong chance of progressing deep into the tournament.
However, the absence of a player of Connor’s calibre could be felt in crucial moments where a decisive pass or a game‑changing line break is required. In summary, Jake Connor’s omission from England’s Rugby League World Cup squad is a notable development that reflects broader themes of selection philosophy, player reputation, and strategic planning ahead of a major international competition.
While the decision has sparked debate, the ultimate test will be the performance of the squad on the world stage, beginning with their opening clash in Perth later this month.