Mikey Lewis has been left out of England's squad for their Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga, while Jack Welsby has been named on the bench by head coach Brian Mc Dermott.
Hull KR's Lewis, who edged 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor for a place in England's squad, has been named among the three reserves alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty, leaving him set to miss out on selection. Jack Welsby had been widely tipped to start at full-back, but Mc Dermott has instead opted for Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson.
Wigan winger Zach Eckersley is set to make his international debut after being selected ahead of Matty Ashton, while fellow Warriors team-mate Sam Walters is also named to start. NRL Premiership winner Victor Radley returns to the England side for the first time since the 2024 series victory over Samoa, while his Sydney Roosters team-mate Hugo Savala is in line to earn his first international cap. Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King is also set to make his first start for England following another impressive season in Australia.
Super League Grand Finalist George Williams, who is set to join the Dolphins, will captain the side and partner Harry Smith in the halves. Brad O'Neill also returns to the England team after earning his only cap in the 2024 mid-season international against France. England Women's head coach Stu Barrow has also named his squad for Saturday's World Cup opener against Wales in Perth, with Jasmin Strange, Connie Boyd and Hope Millard all in line to make their senior international debuts.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing