Brian McDermott has repeatedly emphasised that England must develop a "point of difference" for the Rugby League World Cup, yet his decision to exclude Jake Connor from the squad once more has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Connor was controversially omitted from the England side that suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Ashes series last autumn under former head coach Shaun Wane, despite enjoying a standout season with the Leeds Rhinos that earned him a place in the Dream Team. Instead, McDermott has turned to a different half‑back trio – George Williams, Harry Smith and Mikey Lewis – while also noting that Sydney Roosters centre Hugo Savala possesses the skill set to operate in that role if required.
According to McDermott, the problem in the heavy Ashes loss was not the personnel but the tactical approach that has been tried and failed on numerous occasions. "It isn’t simply about swapping players," McDermott explained. "Throughout the tournament we will select the group we think can deliver each week, but last year we lacked a genuine point of difference.
We fell back on familiar patterns – trying to land the ball on a particular patch of grass and then shifting it wide to outflank Australia." He added that while England does not always employ a radical game plan, a distinctive strategy is essential, even if it carries a degree of risk. "You need courage.
A style that forces the opposition’s defence to answer more questions when you have the ball is far more effective than loading up for a single set piece," he said. McDermott believes that Mikey Lewis better fits the "game model" he wants to implement, though he recognises Connor’s impressive form. "Jake has had an excellent year – he was Man of Steel last season and continues to perform at a high level with a top‑flight club," McDermott noted. "But beyond form, I also consider leadership in big matches.
Lewis has proven himself in the Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge, experiences that matter at this level." He continued, "My squad is built around players who can execute the attacking blueprint we identified weeks ago. We cannot rely on the usual methods; from day one of my tenure I have insisted we must develop a point of difference.
Current form is important, but so is the ability to thrive under pressure. In a World Cup there are no second chances – you must deliver on the day, you cannot review the game and try again the following week." McDermott highlighted that many of his selections have a recent history of performing in finals. "Mikey Lewis helped his club win a World Club Challenge earlier this year and steered them to a Challenge Cup final.
Even though he was not at peak fitness towards the end of the season and served a couple of bans, his contribution to the attack plan remains vital." When asked why he favoured Lewis over Connor, McDermott pointed to a simple yet telling attribute: "When he’s uncertain, he runs. He doesn’t freeze.
He brings energy and attitude, and that can be contagious for the whole side." He stressed that international rugby league is often decided at the gain line, noting that the recent Grand Final in Australia featured few expansive, cross‑field moves; instead, teams focused on tight, gain‑line play. "Players like Mikey, who can carry the ball when everyone else is tiring, are invaluable in that context," McDermott said. The selection picture was further complicated by injuries to several Wakefield Trinity players – Jake Trueman, Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and Tom Johnstone – who were initially in the extended England squad but withdrew on the morning of the announcement due to medical issues. "It’s a real shame the Wakefield lads aren’t available.
There was nothing we could do," McDermott lamented. He explained that all four were scheduled for operations later in the year, and the timing of their injuries made it impossible to include them.
"Each of them had a fantastic season – Trueman, McMeeken, Hamlin‑Uele and Johnstone were all strong candidates – but the surgeries meant they couldn’t commit, and we had to respect that." In summary, McDermott’s selection philosophy revolves around a blend of current form, big‑game experience, and the willingness to adopt a distinctive, risk‑aware style of play. By choosing players like Mikey Lewis who embody those principles, he hopes England can break away from the predictable patterns that have previously hampered their World Cup campaigns and present a more dynamic, hard‑working challenge to the tournament’s elite nations.