Brian McDermott has repeatedly stressed that England must develop a genuine "point of difference" to succeed at the Rugby League World Cup, yet his decision to exclude Jake Connor from the final roster has sparked considerable debate. Connor was the subject of controversy when he was omitted from the squad that suffered a 3-0 whitewash in the Ashes series last autumn under former head coach Shaun Wane, and he has again produced a standout season for the Leeds Rhinos, earning a place in the season's Dream Team.
Despite those credentials, McDermott has chosen to favour a half‑back combination of George Williams, Harry Smith and Mikey Lewis, while also keeping an eye on Sydney Roosters centre Hugo Savala as a potential play‑maker. For McDermott, the problem with the previous Ashes loss was not the individual talent on display but the tactical approach that was employed – a game plan that has been tried and found wanting on numerous occasions. He explained that the issue was not simply swapping players in and out, but rather the need to adopt a style of play that truly exploits England's unique strengths. "Last year they didn't play with a point of difference," he said.
"They stuck to the usual patterns – trying to land the ball on a particular patch of grass and then shifting it wide to outflank Australia. That approach simply doesn't work against the top nations." McDermott added that while England does not always follow a single rigid system, the team must be brave enough to implement a strategy that asks more of the opposition's defence. "You have to ask more questions of the defence when you have the ball, rather than loading up for a single set piece," he noted.
This philosophy, he believes, is why Mikey Lewis fits the desired "game model" better than Connor, even though Connor has enjoyed an excellent season. Lewis has already demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, having starred in the Challenge Cup final and the World Club Challenge, experiences that McDermott values highly when assembling a squad for a tournament where there are no second chances.
The coach also highlighted the importance of recent form, but he stressed that form is only one piece of the puzzle. "You also have to consider whether a player can thrive under pressure," McDermott said. "In a World Cup you can't review a loss and come back stronger the next week – you have to deliver on the day." He therefore selected players who have a proven track record of reaching and winning finals.
Mikey Lewis, for example, helped his club win a World Cup Challenge earlier in the year and guided them to a Challenge Cup final, proving his capacity to deliver when the stakes are highest. When asked why Lewis was preferred to Connor, McDermott pointed to the former's instinctive running game.
"When he's in doubt, he runs," McDermtt explained. "He doesn't hesitate – he brings energy and attitude, and that can lift the whole side. International matches are fought over the gain line, and you need players who can keep the ball moving forward when everyone else is fatigued.
Lewis does that exceptionally well." McDermott also addressed the notable absence of any Wakefield Trinity players from the England squad. While the club's stars – Jake Trueman, Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and Tom Johnstone – were initially in contention, all four withdrew due to injuries or upcoming surgeries announced just hours before the squad was made public. "It's a real shame the Wakefield boys aren't available," McDermott lamented. "There was nothing we could do.
They were all booked for operations later in the year, and we received confirmation just before the deadline." In summary, McDermott's selection policy revolves around three core principles: a distinctive tactical identity, the ability to perform under pressure, and recent experience in high‑stakes matches. By prioritising a "point of difference" in England's attacking blueprint, he hopes to move away from the predictable, surface‑level tactics that have previously left the side vulnerable against elite opposition. The emphasis on players like Mikey Lewis, who combine form, fitness, and a proven knack for rising to the occasion, reflects a broader strategy to build a squad that can adapt, improvise and, most importantly, win when it matters most.
The coach acknowledges that this approach carries risk – bold tactics can fail – but he believes the reward of breaking the status quo outweighs the potential downside. As the tournament approaches, England's fans will be watching closely to see whether this calculated gamble pays off on the world stage.