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 last year’s Super League Man of Steel and finished the season with an impressive 43 assists – the highest tally in the competition – was left out, a decision that has raised eyebrows among supporters and pundits alike. Lewis, a dynamic play‑maker for Hull KR, steps into the vacancy after a season in which he crossed the try‑line 17 times and added another 14 assists to his record. His blend of speed, vision and defensive reliability makes him a valuable asset for the national side, and his selection underscores McDermidd’s willingness to reward form and versatility over reputation.
Two other notable absences were forced by injury. Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and his teammate Tom Johnstone withdrew from consideration after sustaining knocks that would have jeopardised their ability to compete at the highest level.
Jake Trueman also missed out for the same reason, leaving the squad without several experienced forwards who have been regular fixtures in recent England campaigns. England will kick off their World Cup journey on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth, where they face a physical Tonga side. A week later, the squad will travel to the same venue to take on France, a fixture that will test the English backline’s creativity and defensive organization.
McDermott’s selections feature a strong representation from the Wigan Warriors, with seven players making the cut. Among them are uncapped centre Zach Eckersley, promising back Harry Smith and forward Junior Nsemba, all of whom have shown the potential to become mainstays in the national team.
The inclusion of these emerging talents reflects a broader strategy of blending seasoned campaigners with fresh faces to inject new energy into the squad. The roster also benefits from the recent success of the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. Victor Radley, who helped his club secure the Grand Final title, returns to the England fold, while his teammate Hugo Savala earns his first England cap. Savala joins a group of five uncapped players, which also includes the Wigan duo Max King and Ben Talty from the Brisbane Broncos, and Warrington Wolves forward Sam Walters.
Their NRL experience is expected to bring a higher intensity and professionalism to the England camp. Herbie Farnworth, the Dally M centre of the year, and Dom Young, a Grand Final participant, both of whom shone at the 2022 World Cup, are also back in the squad. Their familiarity with international pressure and proven ability to score crucial points will be vital as England navigates the tournament’s early stages.
Additional NRL representatives include Gold Coast Titans fullback AJ Brimson, Wests Tigers centre Kai Pearce‑Paul, and Canberra Raiders forward Morgan Smithies. Their inclusion highlights the growing influence of Australian club performances on England’s selection policy, acknowledging that the best English players are now spread across both hemispheres. From the Super League, George Williams returns as captain after guiding Warrington Wolves to the Grand Final last season. He will be joined by fellow Wolves players Ashton and Currie, providing a core of leadership and cohesion.
Hull KR’s Jez Litten also makes the squad, pairing with his club mate Mikey Lewis to add continuity to the half‑back combination. St Helens is represented by Jack Welsby, the sole player from his club to earn a place.
Speaking about his choices, McDermott emphasized the meticulous and decentralized preparation model that underpinned the selection process. He explained that the approach allowed extensive one‑to‑one work with players long before they assembled for the main training camp. "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 said.
He continued, "Throughout that process, we have challenged players to develop a deeper understanding of themselves – their strengths, their point of difference, the areas they need to improve and the standards required to perform at international level. Importantly, we have also developed a much deeper understanding of the expectations around each player's specific role within the England Game Model." McDermott added that the aim was for every player to arrive at the camp already aware of their responsibilities, rather than having to learn them from scratch. "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," he explained.
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 (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), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights). This blend of experience, youth, and cross‑continental talent positions England as a formidable contender in the upcoming World Cup, with the hope that the strategic selection and preparation will translate into success on the field.