Jake Connor missed out on a Rugby League World Cup spot by a 'small margin' as England seek players who best stick to their gameplan, head coach Brian Mc Dermott says. Leeds Rhinos half-back Connor, the 2025 Super League Man of Steel, was left out of the 23-man squad for the tournament - to be held largely in Australia - with Hull KR's Mikey Lewis making the cut instead. For Connor, it is another England disappointment following his controversial omission from the squad for last autumn's home series against Australia.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on 17 October, before facing France in the same city on 24 October and then Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on 30 October. The squad includes George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), and Mikey Lewis (Hull KR) as half-back options. Mc Dermott emphasized selecting players with recent finals experience, citing Lewis's World Club Challenge win and Challenge Cup final appearance.
The squad also features heritage players such as Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), and Max King (Bulldogs), all Australia-born but qualifying through family ties. Victor Radley and AJ Brimson complete the Australia-born contingent. Wakefield Trinity, despite winning the Grand Final, have no representatives in the squad.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing