Jake Connor, the high‑profile playmaker from Leeds Rhinos, has not been included in the 23‑man England roster for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. The decision, announced by head coach Brian McDermott, comes as a surprise to many observers given Connor’s impressive statistics and his reputation as one of the game’s most effective creators.
The tournament, scheduled to take place across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October and November, will see England compete under a new coaching regime after the departure of former boss Shaun Wane. McDermerson, who previously guided Leeds to several successful campaigns, took over the national side earlier this year and is now tasked with assembling a squad that can challenge for the title.
Connor’s exclusion is particularly notable because he finished the most recent Super League season at the top of the assist leaderboard, registering 43 try‑assists – a figure that typically guarantees a place in any representative side. The 31‑year‑old also earned the prestigious Man of Steel award last season, an accolade that recognises the player judged to have made the greatest impact over the course of the campaign. Yet despite these credentials, he finds himself on the outside of McDermott’s selection. The omission echoes a similar controversy that unfolded last year when Connor was left out of Shaun Wane’s squad for the home Ashes series against Australia.
England were swept 3‑0 in that series, and many pundits argued that the decision to exclude a player of Connor’s calibre may have contributed to the disappointing result. After that episode, Wane stepped down, and the coaching baton was passed to McDermott, who has been vocal in defending Connor’s abilities. In April, McDermott addressed the media and said, "The rhetoric and narrative surrounding Jake have been tremendously unfair.
I understand that Jake is a polarising figure – he is liked by some and disliked by others – but that is part of the sport. We could sit around a table debating his personality, but that does not belong in the public discourse. What no one can dispute is his talent.
He is a tremendous player, a fantastic player, a genuine game‑breaker." McDermott’s comments underline the belief that Connor’s on‑field contributions outweigh any off‑field controversy. The final England squad is set to be revealed on Monday, and early indications suggest that Hull KR’s full‑back Mikey Lewis will be chosen in place of Connor. Lewis, who has impressed with his speed, defensive work‑rate and ability to finish scoring opportunities, offers a different skill set that McDermott may feel better complements the overall balance of the team. England’s World Cup campaign will kick off on 17 October against Tonga in Perth.
The schedule then includes fixtures against France and the host nation Papua New Guinea before the team moves on to the knockout stages. Historically, England have been runners‑up on three occasions – 1975, 1995 and 2017 – and they reached the semi‑finals on home soil in 2021, where they were eliminated by Samoa. The decision to leave Connor out raises several questions about the direction McDermott intends to take the side. Some analysts suggest that the coach may be prioritising defensive solidity and versatility, favouring players who can adapt to multiple positions on the field.
Others argue that the omission could be a response to the media scrutiny that has surrounded Connor since his Man of Steel triumph, with the coaching staff perhaps seeking to avoid distractions during the high‑pressure World Cup environment. Regardless of the reasoning, the exclusion will undoubtedly be a talking point throughout the tournament. Fans of Leeds Rhinos and supporters of the England team will be watching closely to see whether the squad that McDermott assembles can deliver the results that have long eluded the Lions. If England can progress deep into the competition without one of its most prolific playmakers, it may validate the coach’s bold choices.
Conversely, an early exit could reignite the debate about whether Connor should have been given the opportunity to showcase his talents on the world stage. In the broader context of international rugby league, the selection controversy highlights the delicate balance national coaches must strike between form, fitness, temperament and team chemistry. It also underscores how individual accolades, such as the Man of Steel award, do not automatically guarantee inclusion in a World Cup squad when other factors are at play. As the countdown to the tournament continues, all eyes will be on the final squad announcement, the opening match in Perth, and the subsequent performances of a side that will be judged not only by its results but also by the decisions made in the lead‑up to the competition.
Whether Jake Connor’s omission proves to be a masterstroke or a misstep will only become clear as the World Cup unfolds.