England Name World Cup Squad as Jake Connor Misses Out

Brian McDermott has named England's 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup — and delivered the tournament's first major selection shock. Leeds Rhinos playmaker Jake Connor, last year's Super League Man of Steel, has been left out despite another outstanding season that produced 43 assists.

The squad, announced Monday, blends World Cup experience with fresh blood. Victor Radley returns to the England fold just a day after helping the Sydney Roosters to the NRL grand final, alongside Roosters teammate Hugo Savala, who is one of five uncapped players selected — joined by Zach Eckersley, Max King, Ben Talty and Sam Walters. Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young, two of England's standout performers at the 2022 tournament, are also back.

Australia's campaign begins against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on October 15, with the men's final set for November 15 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Connor's exclusion will dominate debate until the tournament kicks off — for McDermott, it was clearly a decision made with zero sentiment attached.