Brian McDermott has repeatedly emphasized that England must develop a distinctive "point of difference" for the Rugby League World Cup, yet his decision to leave Jake Connor out of the squad once more has sparked considerable debate. Connor was notably omitted from the England side that suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Ashes series last autumn under former head coach Shaun Wane, and despite enjoying a standout season with the Leeds Rhinos that earned him a place in the Dream Team, he remains on the outside of McDermott's plans.
Instead, McDermott has turned to a trio of half‑back options: George Williams, Harry Smith and Mikey Lewis, while also acknowledging the versatility of Sydney Roosters centre Hugo Savala, who can operate effectively in the halves. According to the coach, the problem in the heavy Ashes loss was not the individual players but the tactical approach that had been tried repeatedly and had failed to produce results. "It isn’t simply a matter of swapping personnel," McDermott explained. "Throughout the tournament we will select the combination we believe can execute the game plan most efficiently each week, but I think last year England lacked a true point of difference.
They reverted to familiar patterns – trying to dominate a specific patch of grass and then shifting the ball wide to outflank Australia." He added that while England does not always employ the same tactics, a willingness to embrace risk and innovate is essential. "You have to have the courage to play a style that forces the opposition’s defence to answer more questions when you have the ball, rather than relying on a single set‑piece structure," he said. McDermott believes Mikey Lewis aligns better with the desired "game model" than Connor, even though Connor’s form has been impressive.
The coach also weighed leadership experience in high‑pressure matches, noting that Lewis has already proven himself in the Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge, whereas Connor has yet to showcase the same calibre of big‑game leadership. "Jake has certainly had a superb year," McDermott acknowledged. "He was awarded the Man of Steel last season and continues to perform at a high level with a leading side.
However, I have assembled a squad that I think best fits the attacking blueprint and the strategic model we identified weeks ago – the very elements we need to compete with the world’s elite nations." He stressed that recent form is only one factor in selection; the ability to thrive under pressure is equally vital. International tournaments offer no second chances, and a player must deliver when it matters, not rely on post‑match analysis to correct mistakes. "I have chosen players who have a track record of performing in finals, winning championships and delivering when the stakes are highest," McDermott said. Mikey Lewis, for instance, helped his club win a World Cup Challenge earlier in the year and guided them to a Challenge Cup final.
Although Lewis experienced a dip in fitness toward the end of the season and served a couple of suspensions, McDermott believes his overall contribution to the attack plan outweighs those concerns. When asked why he favoured Lewis over Connor, McDermott highlighted a simple yet telling attribute: "The guy runs, and when he is unsure he runs.
He doesn’t hesitate. Mikey brings energy, attitude and a willingness to take the ball into contact, especially when the team is fatigued. That kind of drive is invaluable at the international level." He also pointed out that modern international rugby league is largely contested over the gain line.
"If you look at the Grand Final in Australia, most tries were built from tight, hard‑running play rather than wide, sweeping moves. Players who can consistently gain metres and keep the defence honest are crucial, and Mikey excels at that." The selection process 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 pending operations. McDermott expressed disappointment at their absence, noting that each had been instrumental in Wakefield’s Grand Final triumph and would have added depth and experience to the national side.
"It’s a real shame the Wakefield lads aren’t available. There was nothing we could do to change that," he said.
"All four were earmarked for selection, but with surgeries scheduled for the end of the year, the risk of them being unavailable was high, and they ultimately had to pull out." In summary, McDermott’s selection philosophy for the World Cup revolves around three core principles: a clear tactical identity that differentiates England from its rivals, a roster of players who have demonstrated the ability to execute that plan under pressure, and individuals who bring a relentless, gain‑line‑focused work ethic. By prioritising these elements over pure form or reputation, he hopes to craft a side capable of challenging the sport’s traditional powerhouses and, ultimately, securing a historic World Cup victory.