Brian McDermott has unveiled his 23‑man England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, and the most eye‑catching change is the inclusion of Hull KR's Mikey Lewis in place of Jake Connor. Connor, who captured last season's Super League Man of Steel award and posted a remarkable 43 assists – the highest tally in the competition – was the unexpected omission from the national side. His exclusion has raised eyebrows given his continued excellence with the Hull KR Rhinos, where he not only facilitated scores but also consistently displayed leadership on the field.
In contrast, Lewis arrives as a fresh attacking option. The Hull KR play‑maker finished the Super League campaign with 17 tries and added 14 assists, demonstrating a balanced blend of finishing ability and creative vision. His selection reflects McDermott’s desire to inject pace and versatility into the England backline, and it underscores the depth of talent available across the league.
Two Wakefield Trinity forwards, prop Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and winger Tom Johnstone, also withdrew from consideration after sustaining injuries that prevented them from participating in the selection process. Jake Trueman, another prolific player, was similarly left out due to fitness concerns.
These absences forced the coaching staff to look deeper into the talent pool, resulting in a squad that mixes seasoned internationals with a substantial number of uncapped prospects. England’s World Cup journey will commence against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth, Australia.
The opening fixture will be followed by a clash with France a week later on 24 October, setting the stage for a demanding opening month of the tournament. McDermott’s roster features a strong representation from the Wigan Warriors, with seven players earning places. Among them are three newcomers to the international arena: centre Zach Eckersley, forward Harry Smith, and utility forward Junior Nsemba. Their inclusion signals a commitment to developing new talent while maintaining a core of experienced campaigners.
Following his victorious performance in the NRL Grand Final, Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley returns to the England fold, and his teammate Hugo Savala has also secured a spot. Savala joins a group of five uncapped players, alongside Eckersley, Brisbane Broncos pair Max King and Ben Talty, and Warrington Wolves’ Sam Walters. This infusion of fresh faces is intended to broaden the squad’s tactical options and inject youthful energy.
Herbie Farnworth, named the Dally M Centre of the Year, and Dom Young – both standout performers for England at the 2022 World Cup and recent NRL Grand Finalists – are back in the mix, providing proven big‑stage experience. Complementing them are several other NRL talents: Gold Coast Titans full‑back AJ Brimson, Wests Tigers’ powerful forward Kai Pearce‑Paul, and Canberra Raiders forward Morgan Smithies.
Their inclusion reflects the growing influence of Australian‑based English players on the national team’s strategy. Warrington Wolves, fresh from guiding their side to the Super League Grand Final, will see captain George Williams retain his leadership role.
He is joined by fellow Wolves players Ashton and Currie, reinforcing the club’s strong representation. Hull KR’s Jez Litten also makes the squad, partnering with his clubmate Mikey Lewis, while St Helens’ Jack Welsby is the sole representative from his club. McDermott explained his selection philosophy, emphasizing a “thorough and deliberate process” supported by a “unique decentralised preparation model.” This approach allowed him to engage with players individually well before the traditional training camp, fostering a deeper self‑awareness among the squad. He noted that players have been encouraged to identify their personal strengths, distinguish their unique contributions, and recognise areas for improvement, all within the framework of the England Game Model.
According to McDermott, this method ensures that when athletes arrive at camp, they are not starting from scratch in understanding expectations. Instead, they already possess a clear grasp of their specific roles, the performance standards attached to those roles, and how their individual skill sets can be leveraged to execute England’s preferred style of play. The final squad list reads as follows: 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), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights). This blend of proven veterans, emerging talent, and NRL experience positions England as a formidable contender heading into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with a clear strategic vision and a squad built on both continuity and fresh impetus.