England's 23-player rugby league squad has been named for the 2026 World Cup with Mikey Lewis included and Jake Connor left out. Head coach Brian McDermott made his selection after strong performances from players throughout the season.
McDermott emphasized that he wanted to build a team capable of competing with top international sides. He noted the importance of playing with a new approach and not relying on old methods.
Lewis was chosen for his experience in high-pressure situations including winning finals according to the BBC.
McDermott said Lewis had recent experience of delivering in major matches and pointed to Hull KR's World Club Challenge win earlier this year. Lewis also helped guide Hull KR to the Challenge Cup final.
The squad includes Australian-born newcomers Hugo Savala and Ben Talty. Savala is a versatile back who was part of the Sydney Roosters' NRL Grand Final-winning squad.
Savala was named on the interchange bench for the Roosters' 19-18 win over Newcastle but did not enter the match. Ben Talty plays in the front row for the Brisbane Broncos.
Max King of the Canterbury Bulldogs also gets his first England call-up. King was born in Huddersfield while his father David played for the club.
Five uncapped players are in the final squad: Savala; Talty; King; Zach Eckersley; and Sam Walters.
None of Wakefield Trinity's four players from the wider England group made the final squad because of injury issues. Jake Trueman and Mike McMeeken and Caleb Hamlin-Uele and Tom Johnstone are all due to have operations after the season.
Tom Johnstone earned the Rob Burrow Award as player of the match in Wakefield's 23-10 Super League Grand Final win over Warrington. His absence is a significant loss after a season in which Wakefield won their first league title since 1968.
The squad also features several experienced players who have performed well in past finals. McDermott said the team is built around a specific game model and attack plan.
He believes that this approach will help England compete with leading nations in the sport. The team's selection reflects a balance between youth and experience.
Players like Lewis and others have shown they can deliver in crucial moments. The squad is expected to play a more dynamic style of rugby league under McDermott’s leadership.
This decision signals a shift from traditional methods in favor of innovation and adaptability. The upcoming matches will test how well the team can execute this new game plan.
England will open the World Cup against Tonga in Perth on October 17. They then face France in Perth on October 24 before playing Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30.
England’s rugby league squad now includes players who have proven their worth in finals situations. The inclusion of new faces like Savala and Talty adds fresh energy to the team.
King’s call-up shows that McDermott is looking to bring in talent from different backgrounds. The team will be aiming to build on their recent performances and challenge top-tier teams.
With a mix of seasoned players and newcomers England is shaping up for an important tournament. The squad announcement marks the start of a new chapter for England rugby league under McDermott’s guidance. It also highlights the growing diversity in the team's makeup and its evolving identity.
The team’s preparation for upcoming games is focused on executing the game plan effectively. England’s rugby league players are expected to show resilience and skill in their next matches.