Brian McDermott has announced his 23‑man England lineup for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, opting to include Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis in place of the seasoned Jake Connor. The decision raised eyebrows because Connor, who captured last year’s Super League Man of Steel award, delivered another impressive campaign for the Hull KR side, tallying a league‑leading 43 assists and establishing himself as one of the most creative play‑makers in the competition. Yet McDermott chose to leave him out, favouring the younger Lewis, who finished the season with 17 tries and added 14 assists of his own, demonstrating a blend of finishing ability and distribution that the coach believes will suit the international game. The omission of Connor was the biggest surprise of the selection, especially given his consistency and recent individual accolades.
His exclusion was not due to injury – he remained fit throughout the Super League season – but rather a strategic move by McDermott, who hinted that the squad had been built around a specific game model that required particular skill sets and positional balance. In addition to Connor’s surprise absence, a couple of Wakefield Trinity forwards, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele and Tom Johnstone, withdrew from consideration after sustaining injuries that ruled them out of the tournament.
Jake Trueman also missed out for the same reason, further thinning the pool of experienced English backs. England’s opening fixture will be against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth, Australia. The Kangaroos‑style showdown will be followed a week later by a clash with France on 24 October. McDermott’s squad features a heavy representation from Wigan Warriors, with seven players earning caps, including three uncapped prospects: centre Zach Eckersley, Harry Smith and Junior Nsemba.
The inclusion of these newcomers signals a willingness to blend youthful exuberance with veteran experience, a theme that runs throughout the entire roster. From the NRL, several high‑profile English players have been secured. After helping the Sydney Roosters clinch the NRL Grand Final, lock Victor Radley returns to the England fold, and his teammate Hugo Savala also makes the list.
Savala joins a group of five uncapped players, which besides Eckersley also includes the Brisbane Broncos pair Max King and Ben Talty, as well as Sam Walters from Wigan. Their selection reflects McDermott’s intent to broaden the talent base and reward form over reputation. Two of England’s standout performers from the 2022 World Cup, Dally M centre of the year Herbie Farnworth and Grand Final runner‑up Dom Young, have also secured spots, providing a proven pedigree on the world stage.
They will be complemented by a quartet of other NRL talents: Gold Coast Titans full‑back AJ Brimson, Wests Tigers forward Kai Pearce‑Paul, and Canberra Raiders prop Morgan Smithies. These players bring a mix of physicality, speed, and tactical awareness that should enhance England’s attacking options and defensive resilience. Warrington Wolves, fresh from guiding their club to the Super League Grand Final, will see captain George Williams retain the armband for the tournament. He will be joined by fellow Wolves, Ashton and Currie, creating a core of players already accustomed to high‑pressure environments.
Hull KR’s Jez Litten also makes the squad, linking up with his clubmate Mikey Lewis, while St Helens will be represented by Jack Welsby, the only player from that club to earn a place. Speaking about his selection process, McDermott emphasized the depth of analysis and the “decentralised preparation model” that allowed him to work closely with players before they assembled in a central camp.
He explained that the model encouraged athletes to develop a clearer self‑awareness of their strengths, unique attributes, and the specific improvements needed to meet international standards. The coach highlighted that each player now possesses a detailed understanding of their role within England’s Game Model, meaning they will arrive at the training camp with a pre‑established grasp of expectations, standards, and how their individual talents fit into the broader tactical framework. The squad list, as released, 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 (Wigan Warriors), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves) and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights). This blend of Super League stalwarts, emerging talents, and NRL professionals creates a balanced roster designed to adapt to the varied challenges of a World Cup campaign.
Overall, McDermott’s selections suggest a forward‑looking approach, prioritising players who not only excel in domestic competition but also fit a cohesive, pre‑defined playing philosophy. The inclusion of several uncapped individuals indicates a desire to inject fresh ideas and energy, while the presence of seasoned campaigners ensures that leadership and experience remain at the heart of the squad. As the tournament approaches, England will look to translate this carefully curated mix of skill, athleticism, and tactical clarity into performances that can challenge the traditional powerhouses of rugby league and potentially secure a historic title.