Jake Connor, the high‑profile playmaker 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 McDermott, has taken many observers by surprise, especially given Connor’s impressive statistical output during the most recent Super League season.
The tournament itself is set to span three nations—Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea—over the months of October and November. England will open its campaign on October 17 in Perth, where they face Tonga, before taking on France and the host nation Papua New Guinea in subsequent fixtures. Historically, the English side has been a strong contender, finishing as runners‑up in 1975, 1995 and 2017, and reaching the semi‑finals on home soil in 2021 before being knocked out by Samoa.
Connor’s omission is particularly striking because he finished the 2023 Super League season at the very top of the assist leaderboard, registering 43 try‑assists—a record that underscored his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Despite this, the 31‑year‑old was not selected, echoing a similar snub he experienced last year when he was left out of the squad for the Ashes series against Australia. In that series, England suffered a 3‑0 whitewash, and Connor’s absence was a point of contention among fans and pundits alike.
The controversy surrounding Connor’s exclusion dates back to the previous autumn when former England coach Shaun Wane omitted him from the home Ashes series squad. Wane’s decision sparked debate, with some arguing that Connor’s on‑field contributions warranted a place, while others pointed to off‑field issues and perceived attitude problems. After the Ashes, Wane stepped down, and Brian McDermott—who previously coached Leeds Rhinos—was appointed to guide England through the World Cup campaign.
McDermott has been vocal in his defence of Connor. In an interview in April, he criticised the media narrative that he felt was unfairly targeting the player. "The rhetoric and the narrative around Jake was tremendously unfair," McDermott said. He acknowledged that Connor is a polarising figure, noting that "he's liked by some and disliked by others," but insisted that such personal judgments should not dominate public discourse.
"We could sit around a table and debate whether he's a nice person or not, but that’s not the point. What nobody can argue is that he's a tremendous player. He's a fantastic player. He's a game‑breaker," McDermott added.
Despite McDermott’s support, the final squad list, due to be released on Monday, appears to favour other options in the full‑back and utility positions. Hull KR’s dynamic full‑back Mikey Lewis is widely expected to be selected in place of Connor, offering speed and defensive solidity that the coaching staff may prefer for the tournament’s fast‑paced matches.
Lewis’s recent form, including several match‑winning performances in the Super League, has bolstered his case for inclusion. The decision raises broader questions about the criteria used by national selectors. While statistical performance—such as Connor’s league‑leading assists—provides an objective measure of a player’s impact, coaches also weigh factors like defensive reliability, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to adhere to a game plan under pressure. In recent years, England’s coaching staff have placed a premium on consistency and the capacity to execute set‑piece structures, especially against the physically imposing teams they will encounter in the Southern Hemisphere.
For Connor, the exclusion is a personal disappointment but also an opportunity to refocus on his club duties. At Leeds Rhinos, he remains a central figure, and his experience will be vital as the team pushes for domestic success in the remaining Super League fixtures. His leadership on the field, combined with his vision and passing range, continues to make him one of the most influential playmakers in the competition.
Looking ahead, England’s World Cup campaign will be closely watched. The squad, now confirmed, includes a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. The team will need to navigate a challenging group stage, with matches against physically robust sides like Tonga and technically adept opponents such as France.
Success will hinge on cohesive defensive structures, effective ball‑handling, and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities—areas where players like Connor have traditionally excelled. In summary, Jake Connor’s omission from the England World Cup roster is a notable development that reflects the complex balance between individual brilliance and team dynamics in elite sport. While his statistical achievements and on‑field creativity are undeniable, the coaching staff have opted for a different composition, likely prioritising defensive stability and squad harmony.
As the tournament approaches, England will aim to build momentum from their opening fixture in Perth, hoping to add another World Cup final appearance to their storied history.