Brian McDermott has announced 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 was crowned the Super League’s Man of Steel last season and finished the campaign with a league‑leading 43 assists, was the unexpected omission despite another strong year for the Hull KR side. Lewis, by contrast, earned his selection after a prolific season that saw him cross the try‑line 17 times and add another 14 assists, proving his versatility and attacking flair. In addition to the Lewis‑Connor switch, the squad list reflects a number of injury‑related withdrawals.
Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and teammate Tom Johnstone both pulled out after sustaining injuries that prevented them from taking part in the selection process. Jake Trueman also missed out for the same reason, leaving a handful of spots open for other talent. England’s World Cup journey will kick off against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth, Australia.
The Lions will then travel to face France a week later on 24 October. McDermott’s selection panel has leaned heavily on the Wigan Warriors, naming seven of their players to the roster. Among those are uncapped centre Zach Eckersley, as well as promising youngsters Harry Smith and Junior Nsemba, who are expected to bring fresh energy to the squad. The NRL also features prominently in the lineup.
After helping the Sydney Roosters clinch the NRL Grand Final, lock Victor Radley returns to the England fold, and his teammate Hugo Savala has also earned a place. Savala joins a group of five uncapped players that includes Eckersley, the Brisbane Broncos pair Max King and Ben Talty, and Sam Walters, all of whom will be looking to make an immediate impact on the international stage. Two of England’s standout performers from the 2022 World Cup, Dally M centre of the year Herbie Farnworth and Grand Final‑bound winger Dom Young, are back in the squad, providing a blend of experience and proven big‑match temperament. Complementing them are a further quartet of NRL stars: Gold Coast Titans full‑back AJ Brimson, Wests Tigers forward Kai Pearce‑Paul, and Canberra Raiders prop Morgan Smithies, each bringing a different style of play that should broaden England’s tactical options.
Warrington Wolves, fresh from guiding their club to the Super League Grand Final, will see captain George Williams retain his leadership role. He is joined by fellow Wolves, Ashton and Currie, adding a core of players already accustomed to high‑pressure environments. Hull KR’s Jez Litten also makes the cut alongside his club‑mate Lewis, while St Helens’ Jack Welsby is the sole representative from his side.
McDermott explained the philosophy behind his selections, emphasizing a “decentralised preparation model” that allowed the coaching staff to work closely with players long before the official camp began. He said the process was designed to help each athlete develop a deeper self‑awareness – understanding their own strengths, distinguishing features, and the specific areas that need improvement to meet international standards. The aim, according to McDermott, was for every player to arrive at the training camp already clear on their role within England’s Game Model, the standards attached to it, and how their individual skill set could be leveraged to execute the team’s overall game plan. The final roster 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), and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights).
This blend of seasoned internationals, emerging Super League talent, and NRL stars gives England a balanced and dynamic squad capable of adapting to the varied challenges they will face in Perth and beyond. Overall, the selection reflects a strategic mix of experience, youth, and form, positioning England as a strong contender for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The squad’s depth across positions, combined with a clear preparation philosophy, suggests that the Lions are ready to compete at the highest level and aim for the coveted title.