Brian McDermott has unveiled his 23‑man England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, opting to include Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis in place of the highly‑rated Jake Connor. The decision raised eyebrows because Connor, who was honoured with last season’s Super League Man of Steel award, delivered another exceptional campaign for the Hull KR Rhinos, tallying a league‑leading 43 assists and cementing his status as one of the sport’s premier play‑makers. Despite those impressive numbers, McDermott chose to leave Connor out, making his omission the biggest surprise of the selection process.
Lewis, the dynamic Hull KR half‑back, steps into the vacant spot after a season in which he crossed the try line 17 times and added 14 assists to his record. His blend of speed, vision and defensive work‑rate impressed the England coaching staff and earned him a place on the world stage. In addition to the Connor decision, the squad list reflects a number of injury‑related withdrawals.
Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and his teammate Tom Johnstone both pulled out of contention after sustaining injuries that would have limited their effectiveness. Jake Trueman, another talented English player, was also forced to miss out for the same reason. England’s World Cup journey will kick off against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth, Australia.
The team will then travel to face France a week later on 24 October, setting up a crucial early test of the squad’s cohesion and tactical plans. McDermott’s selection features a strong representation from the Wigan Warriors, with seven players wearing the England jersey. Among them are uncapped centre Zach Eckersley, promising back‑rower Harry Smith and the versatile Junior Nsemba, all of whom have shown the potential to make a significant impact at the international level. Following the Sydney Roosters’ triumph in the NRL Grand Final, lock Victor Radley returns to the England fold, bringing his experience from the championship-winning side.
His Roosters teammate Hugo Savala also earned a spot, adding further depth to the forward pack. Savala is one of five uncapped players named in the squad, alongside Eckersley, the Brisbane Broncos duo Max King and Ben Talty, and Sam Walters, who have all impressed during the domestic season and are now poised to make their international debuts. The squad also retains two of England’s standout performers from the 2022 World Cup: Dally M centre of the year Herbie Farnworth and NRL Grand Finalist Dom Young.
Both players have continued to excel at club level and are expected to provide a potent attacking threat for England. A further contingent of NRL talent will bolster the side, including Gold Coast Titans fullback AJ Brimson, Wests Tigers powerhouse Kai Pearce‑Paul and Canberra Raiders forward Morgan Smithies. Their inclusion underscores McDermott’s intention to blend Super League experience with the physicality and skill set of the Australian competition.
Warrington Wolves, fresh from guiding their club to the Super League Grand Final, will see captain George Williams retain his leadership role for the national team. He will be joined by fellow Wolves players Ashton and Currie, adding familiarity and chemistry to the squad’s core. Hull KR’s own Jez Litten will accompany his club‑mate Mikey Lewis, while St Helens will be represented by Jack Welsby, the sole player from his club to make the cut.
This diverse mix of club affiliations is designed to create a balanced unit capable of adapting to different styles of play. McDermott explained his selection philosophy, stating, "We have selected the squad after a thorough and deliberate process, underpinned by a unique decentralised preparation model that has allowed us to work closely with the players well before they come together in camp." He highlighted that the approach encouraged each player to develop a deeper self‑awareness, understanding their personal strengths, areas for improvement and the standards required at the international level.
He continued, "Importantly, we have also developed a much deeper understanding of the expectations around each player's specific role within the England Game Model. The aim has been that when the players arrive in camp, they are not starting from day one trying to understand what is expected of them. They already understand their role, the standards attached to it and how their individual strengths can contribute to the way England wants to play." 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 (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 (Warrington Wolves), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves) and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights). This blend of seasoned internationals, emerging talents and uncapped prospects aims to give England a versatile, dynamic side capable of competing for the coveted World Cup trophy.