Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley has spoken about the motivation he’s taken from his Ashes snub with the 23-year-old insisting that it will only help to fuel his World Cup dream instead.

Hanley had his breakout season in 2025, scoring 11 tries in Super League and forming one of the most lethal right edges in the competition alongside winger Keanan Brand.

It was enough to earn Hanley a spot in the Super League Dream Team but he was not selected for the Ashes squad by England head coach Shaun Wane, who famously noted that he doesn’t consider Dream Team or Man of Steel accolades when explaining his decision not to select Jake Connor.

Herbie Farnworth, Jake Wardle and Harry Newman were selected in the centres with NRL star AJ Brimson also a covering option if needed, and that set of players will again be in contention for the World Cup in 2026 but Umyla Hanley is hoping he can also be in the conversation.

Leigh Leopards centre motivated by Ashes snub with World Cup on the horizon

Speaking to The Leigh Journal, Hanley addressed his Ashes snub, stating: “It didn’t hurt me.”

He went on to explain why, adding: “It just puts me in a position next season to go for it even more, especially with the World Cup coming up.

“It would be a privilege to play for England, that’s what every English player wants to do so I will get my head down even more next year, work hard and try to get into the squad.”

As for how he can kick on in 2026, he stated: “For me, it’s mainly not taking any steps backwards. It’s about adding to my game rater than maintaining what I have just done.”

Leigh had another impressive season in 2025, recording their highest-ever finish in Super League of third before being knocked out in the play-off semi-finals against Wigan, with the Leopards falling to an 18-6 loss.

That’s another motivator for Hanley, who said: “It wasn’t a nice feeling to just fall short again last season but it makes you want to work even harder.”

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