Mikey Lewis selected ahead of Jake Connor for England World Cup squad
England head coach Brian McDermott has named a 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, selecting Hull KR's Mikey Lewis over Leeds Rhinos' Jake Connor.
Connor omitted despite strong season
Jake Connor was left out of the final list even after finishing with 43 assists during the Super League campaign. The 31-year-old had been expected to make the cut following his performance as the 2025 Super League Man of Steel. This decision marks another disappointment for him after he missed the squad last autumn against Australia.
Lewis earns call-up with stats
Mikey Lewis from Hull KR has been chosen to join captain George Williams and Harry Smith as half-back options. He scored 17 tries and assisted a further 14 games this season despite an inconsistent campaign. His selection convinces the coach that he should replace Connor in the lineup.
Other players return or miss out
Victor Radley will return to the side after winning Sunday's NRL Grand Final with his team at Sydney Roosters. Hugo Savala is also selected, bringing the total number of uncapped players in the squad to five. Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele and Tom Johnstone withdrew from selection because of injury.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- BBC News
- Sky Sports
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