Jake Connor missed out on a Rugby League World Cup spot by a “small margin” as England seek the players who can best stick to their gameplan, head coach Brian McDermott 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 to follow his controversial omission from the squad for last autumn’s home series against Australia.
“Jake Connor missed out on selection by a small margin and it came down to who I think can best stick to the game plan and attack plan,” McDermott said.
The 31-year-old had been expected to make the squad after being talked up by McDermott and enjoying a strong domestic season.
But Hull KR’s Lewis, who endured an inconsistent year, has done enough to convince McDermott that he should join captain George Williams, the Warrington stand-off, and Wigan’s Harry Smith as half-back options.
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.
England 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)