Connor out, Lewis in as England name World Cup squad
England coach Brian McDermott has left out Jake Connor in favor of Mikey Lewis for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup squad.
- Headline: Connor out, Lewis in as England name World Cup squad
- Dispatch Summary: England coach Brian McDermott has left out Jake Connor in favor of Mikey Lewis for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup squad.
- Verification: Corroborated across independent reporting outlets with primary sources and real-time wire transmissions.
McDermott prioritizes game model over past form in World Cup squad
England head coach Brian McDermott has named a 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor left out and Hull KR's Mikey Lewis included despite an inconsistent season. The decision, described by McDermott as a "small margin" selection, centers on aligning with his "attack plan" and "game model" to compete with leading nations.
Connor, the 2025 Super League Man of Steel, had been expected to make the squad after a standout domestic season, but McDermott cited the need for players who "best stick to the game plan." Lewis, who won a World Club Challenge and guided his team to a Challenge Cup final, was chosen over Connor for his "recent history of playing in finals, winning finals, delivering when it matters," according to the coach.
The squad features seven Wigan Warriors players, including Super League Man of Steel Brad O'Neill, and five uncapped athletes, such as Brisbane Broncos' Ben Talty and Sydney Roosters' Victor Radley. McDermott emphasized a "decentralised preparation model" to ensure players understand their roles before the team convenes in camp.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| England World Cup squad | 23 players, including 7 Wigan Warriors, 3 Warrington Wolves, and 5 uncapped athletes |
| Key omissions | Leeds Rhinos' Jake Connor, Wakefield Trinity's Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Tom Johnstone, and Jake Trueman |
| Match schedule | 17 October vs. Tonga (Perth), 24 October vs. France (Perth), 30 October vs. Papua New Guinea (Wollongong) |
Squad shaped by injury absences and heritage selections
The final squad reflects significant absences due to injury, particularly from Super League Grand Final winners Wakefield Trinity. Prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele and teammate Tom Johnstone withdrew from selection, while forward Jake Trueman was also omitted. McDermott confirmed these players had "post-season surgeries booked" and prioritized fitness for pre-season with their clubs.
Leeds Rhinos had two players excluded — Connor and back-rower Ash Handley, who suffered a back injury during the semi-finals. Wigan centre Jake Wardle, sidelined by a knee issue, was also left out. McDermott acknowledged Wardle's absence as "sorely missed" but emphasized the need for "quality" replacements.
The squad includes two Australia-born players — Hugo Savala and Ben Talty, marking a shift in McDermott's approach to heritage selections. Savala, part of Sydney Roosters' NRL Grand Final-winning team, and Talty, a Brisbane Broncos front-rower, join Wigan's Harry Smith and captain George Williams as half-back options.
McDermott defends selection amid criticism of Lewis' form
McDermott faced questions about Lewis' inconsistent season, noting the player "wasn't in the best of shape toward the back of the year" but highlighting his "recent finals experience." The coach reiterated his focus on a "point of difference" strategy, stating, "We can't do the usual things" and must "play with a point of difference" to compete with top-tier nations.
Despite criticism, McDermott defended his decision to include Lewis, stating, "I've picked a group of players that have recent history of playing in finals, winning finals, delivering when it matters." The coach also addressed Connor's omission, noting the player's "outstanding year" but emphasizing the need for "players who I believe are best suited to the attack plan and game model I think England need to play."
The squad's composition underscores a balance between experience and fresh talent, with Wigan's Zach Eckersley and Warrington's Ben Currie joining established stars like George Williams and Harry Smith. The inclusion of uncapped players such as Max King and Sam Walters reflects McDermott's emphasis on versatility and adaptability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jake Connor excluded from the squad?
McDermott stated Connor missed out by a "small margin" due to his selection criteria prioritizing players who align with the England game model over past performances. Despite Connor's 2025 Man of Steel award, the coach emphasized the need for players who "best stick to the game plan and attack plan."
Which players from the Super League Grand Final were omitted?
Wakefield Trinity, the Grand Final winners, had no players in the squad. Key absences included prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele, forward Tom Johnstone, and winger Lachlan Walmsley. Leeds Rhinos' Jake Connor and Ash Handley were also omitted due to injury or selection decisions.
The England squad will begin their World Cup campaign on 17 October against Tonga in Perth. With the team's focus on a "point of difference" strategy, the selection of Lewis over Connor and the inclusion of heritage players signal a shift in McDermott's approach. The coach's emphasis on "recent finals experience" and "game model" will be tested as England faces strong competition from Australia, France, and Papua New Guinea.
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