McDermott Drops Mikey Lewis for England's World Cup Opener Against Tonga

Brian McDermott has not been afraid to make big selection calls in his first England squad — and he has made another one. Hull KR's Mikey Lewis has been left out of the matchday squad for England's Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga in Perth on Saturday.

Lewis, who edged 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor for a place in the World Cup squad, was named among the three non-playing reserves alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty. Instead, Harry Smith will partner captain George Williams in the halves.

In another surprise, Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson — England's fullback during last year's Ashes series against Australia — starts at fullback ahead of Jack Welsby, who was widely tipped for the jersey but drops to the interchange.

Wigan winger Zach Eckersley is set for his international debut after being preferred to Matty Ashton, while his Warriors team-mate Sam Walters also starts. NRL premiership winner Victor Radley returns to the England side for the first time since the 2024 series victory over Samoa, and Sydney Roosters half-back Hugo Savala is in line for a first cap.

England face Tonga at 10:05 BST on Saturday before meeting France in Perth on Oct. 24 and Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on Oct. 30.