As Brian McDermott’s England side battle for World Cup glory in Australia, his 23-man squad represents a tapestry of youth development spanning Super League powerhouse academies, regional pathways, and NRL junior systems.

While traditional powerhouses like Wigan Warriors and St Helens lead the production line, the squad also highlights the global nature of modern rugby league pathways, featuring players who cut their teeth in Australia, the Championship, and non-heartland development hubs.

Here is the complete breakdown of the junior academy pathways that produced England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

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Where every England World Cup squad member learned their trade

*24 players involved after Kallum Watkins was called up to replace Morgan Smithies.

Wigan Warriors – 6

Brad O’Neill, Junior Nsemba, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley, Ethan Havard, George Williams and Morgan Smithies

Wigan’s renowned youth system remains the primary talent pipeline for the national team, providing a quarter of the World Cup squad.

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St Helens – 3

Jack Welsby, Morgan Knowles and Luke Thompson

Saints’ junior setup continues to produce top-tier international talent across the park.

Leeds Rhinos – 3

Mikolaj Oledzki, Sam Walters and Kallum Watkins

Headingley’s development network produced three key dynamic forwards in McDermott’s engine room.

City of Hull Academy – 2

Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten

East Yorkshire’s rich junior pathways produced two of the game’s most explosive dummy-half and playmaking talents, with Litten graduating through the Hull FC academy while Lewis honed his craft within the City of Hull Academy and Hull KR setup.

Huddersfield Giants – 1

Dom Young

Young came through the youth ranks at Huddersfield, making his Super League debut for the Giants at just 17 before earning a high-profile move to the NRL.

Warrington Wolves – 1

Ben Currie

Currie came through Warrington’s academy pipeline over a decade ago, establishing himself as a mainstay for both club and country through years of consistent elite-level performances.

Championship & Regional Pathways
London Broncos / South East Pathway – 1

Kai Pearce-Paul

A testament to non-heartland development, one of England’s star forwards launched his career in the capital.

Swinton Lions & Grassroots Pathway – 1

Matty Ashton

Ashton bypassed the traditional Super League academy route, rising through community and Championship rugby before joining Warrington.

Australian & NRL Junior Systems

Six players in McDermott’s squad learned their trade within the Australian junior club and representative pathways before committing to England.

Herbie Farnworth: Brisbane Broncos Academy / Burleigh Bears 
Victor Radley: Sydney Roosters Juniors 
AJ Brimson: Gold Coast Titans Academy 
Max King: Wests Tigers / Melbourne Storm Development
Hugo Savala: Sydney Roosters Pathway 
Ben Talty: Newcastle Knights Pathway / Brisbane Broncos