Brian McDermott has named his 23-player England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Mikey Lewis selected ahead of Jake Connor.
Connor, who won last year’s Super League Man of Steel award, is the surprise omission, having enjoyed another standout season with the Rhinos, amassing 43 assists – the most of any player this season.
Hull KR playmaker Lewis will come into the fold in his place, having scored 17 tries and assisting a further 14 this season.
It is also understood Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele and his team-mate Tom Johnstone both opted to withdraw from the selection process due to injury.
After winning Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley will return to the England fold, while his Roosters team-mate Hugo Savala has also been selected.
Savala is one of five uncapped players included in the squad, including Zach Eckersley, Brisbane Broncos duo Max King and Ben Talty, and Sam Walters.
Dally M centre of the year Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young, two of England’s top performers at the 2022 World Cup, will also return to the side.
England Men’s 2026 World Cup Squad
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), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)
