The Rugby League World Cup in 2026 is less than a year away but after England’s resounding failure in the Ashes, we’ve looked at which new faces could feature with Shaun Wane’s side arguably needed some fresh faces and ideas.

Australia were expected to win the Ashes and in the eyes of most, they were expected to win 3-0. What wasn’t expected was that Australia would actually be relatively poor by most expectations, yet still win with ease as they outscored England 70-18 across the three Tests with Shaun Wane’s side not leading for a single second throughout the three games.

Just two tries were scored by England, a Daryl Clark scoot from dummy half at 26-0 down when the defender switched off, and when George Williams won the foot race to fall onto Jez Litten’s grubber kick after the Hull KR man had broke free and skinned Reece Walsh.

England and the Rugby Football League will now begin a review process and selection and the “credit in the bank” aspect could well be a key talking point, with a number of younger and inexperienced players snubbed.

Looking ahead to next year’s Rugby League World Cup, we’ve picked out five uncapped players who could earn selection on the back of impressive Super League campaigns.

Which uncapped Englishman could play at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup?

Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors) – Prop/Second-row

The second oldest player on this list is Wigan’s Sam Walters but he’ll still be just 25 when England’s squad is announced next autumn and he’ll be approaching or may have even surpassed 100 Super League appearances.

Walters has taken huge strides, not just because he’s two metres tall, in the last 18 months with the 2024 play-off semi-final performance one of his best in a Wigan shirt. Stepping in for Liam Farrell, Walters shone but didn’t make the Grand Final squad, however, he kicked on again in 2025 and regularly started over Junior Nsemba, whilst also featuring at prop.

That versatility is so important in a tournament setting and with a number of the Ashes forwards potentially aging out such as Alex Walmsley, John Bateman and Kallum Watkins, there’s a huge chance for Walters to seize.

James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos) – Second-row

Whilst Sam Walters swapped Leeds for Wigan, James McDonnell went the other way and he’s become a force at Leeds, even earning Super League Dream Team honours in 2025. He’ll be 26 for next year’s World Cup so an older debutant but it wouldn’t be his first World Cup.

McDonnell actually played for Ireland at the 2021 World Cup, held in 2022, scoring on what is his sole appearance for Ireland. He has since been named to an England squad for the mid-season international against France in 2024 but he did not play.

It’s hard to imagine McDonnell won’t be afforded a chance next year if he can replicate the form he showed at Leeds in 2025.

Harry Robertson (St Helens) – Centre

Onto the backs who could debut in 2026 and Harry Robertson is one of the most obvious options given the fact he was named in the initial training squad mid-season this year, but missed out on Ashes selection.

We’re still yet to work out what Robertson’s best position is. Coming through the ranks as a full-back, he then took the centres by storm in 2025 but many believe he’s actually tracking to be a number six down the line.

That versatility is a strength and a curse at international selection as Shaun Wane, or whoever may be in charge of England, might not feel they’ve seen enough of the youngster in a specialist position. However, what they would clearly see would be his talent, which is undeniable, and that should carry him into a World Cup squad.

Lewis Martin (Hull FC) – Winger

Another Super League Dream Team member from 2025 with Hull FC’s Lewis Martin finishing as the competition’s top try scorer, not bad for someone who took up rugby league late after initially being part of Hull City’s set up.

Martin has so many traits that you’d expect make him perfect for international rugby league with his finishing ability an obvious one, but his height another asset when going up against some of the huge wingers that southern hemisphere teams boast.

Another who was maybe unlucky to miss out on the Ashes, he will have Matty Ashton to compete with, but he could sneak ahead of both Tom Johnstone and Joe Burgess if he has another strong year.

Will Pryce (Hull FC) – Full-back

Perhaps a rogue choice but Jack Welsby being dropped and AJ Brimson failing to cement that full-back shirt as his own maybe means there is a conversation to be had here.

By no means is the Will Pryce of 2025 ready for England but this prediction is based on projection with an injury-free season most-important for Pryce. After arriving at Hull FC from Newcastle Knights, he was used in a number of positions before settling at full-back with injury then striking him down before he could truly kick on.

With Jake Arthur signed to play six, the ex-NRL man will clearly be the Black and Whites’ starting full-back and he could shine in a spine that will give fans lots to get excited about. Similar to Harry Robertson, Pryce has raw talent and if Jack Welsby continues to be moved around in 2026 and AJ Brimson’s injury means a disrupted season, then Pryce could be a big beneficiary.

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