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Connor Misses Out as England Names Rugby League World Cup Squad

2:02 PM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: Jake Connor, the 2025 Super League Man of Steel, has missed out on selection for the Rugby League World Cup squad, despite a standout season with 43 assists.

England will face Tonga in Perth on October 17 and France on October 24 in their opening matches.

Brian McDermott, the head coach, said Connor missed out by a small margin, emphasizing the need for players who can best adhere to the team's game plan.

McDermott praised Connor's abilities but noted that the team's strategy required players who could fit seamlessly into the planned offensive approach.

Mikey Lewis, who was previously selected for the Ashes series, has been chosen for the World Cup squad.

Lewis, described as a 'point of difference,' was selected alongside seven Wigan Warriors players, including uncapped centre Zach Eckersley.

The squad also includes Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley and his teammate Hugo Savala, one of five uncapped players.

England's squad will face a tough challenge in the World Cup, with Wakefield Trinity having no players available due to injuries.

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has withdrawn from the England squad to face the Czech Republic with a thigh injury, while Ezri Konsa is ruled out due to an injury.

England's upcoming matches will see them play Sturm Graz, AC Milan, and Sparta Prague in the Europa League, and Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.

Background

What's confirmed

• Jake Connor has NOT made England ’s World Cup squad, with Mikey Lewis selected ahead of him for the tournament, Love Rugby League can reveal.
• He is joined in the squad by Wolves team-mates Ashton and Currie.
• "We have selected the squad after a thorough and deliberate process, underpinned by a unique decentralised preparation model that has allowed us to work closely with the players well before they come together in camp," McDermott said.
• Connor, who won last year's Super League Man of Steel award, is the surprise omission, having enjoyed another standout season with the Rhinos, amassing 43 assists - the most of any player this season.
• England commence their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday, October 17, at HBF Park, Perth, Australia, before facing France on October 24.
• McDermott has named seven Wigan Warriors players in his squad, including uncapped centre Zach Ecersley, Harry Smith and Junior Nsemba.
• After winning Sunday's NRL Grand Final, Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley will return to the England fold, while his Roosters team-mate Hugo Savala has also been selected.
• Savala is one of five uncapped players included in the squad, including Eckersley, Brisbane Broncos duo Max King and Ben Talty, and Sam Walters.
• Dally M centre of the year Herbie Farnworth and NRL Grand Finalist Dom Young, two of England's top performers at the 2022 World Cup, will also return to the side.
• Fresh from guiding Warrington Wolves to the Super League Grand Final, George Williams will once again captain the team.
• "The aim has been that when the players arrive in camp, they are not starting from day one trying to understand what is expected of them. They already understand their role, the standards attached to it and how their individual strengths can contribute to the way England wants to play."
• Jake Connor missed out on an England squad place for last year's Ashes, for which Mikey Lewis was selected Jake Connor missed out on a Rugby League World Cup spot by a "small margin" as England seek the players who can best stick to their gameplan, head coach Brian McDermott says.

What's still developing

• Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa has also been ruled out of the fixture at Wembley, with the 28-year-old to return to the Premier League champions for treatment on an injury.
• Scott was excellent on his full debut as England defeated Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League on Saturday.
• England coach Thomas Tuchel was effusive in his praise for Scott after the Croatia match.
• The Cherries are 17th in the Premier League and are winless after five matches, drawing three times and losing twice.
• They return to Premier League action at Chelsea on Saturday (15:00 BST) and play Sunderland, Manchester United, Leeds and Ipswich prior to the November international break.
• It comes after a disappointing season for Lewis, who missed the vast majority of Super League’s closing stages due to two different suspensions.
• The Leeds Rhinos star is a shock omission from Brian McDermott’s 23-man squad for the tournament, with last year’s Man of Steel not making the cut once again after his Ashes snub last year.
• Connor had another excellent season, finishing top of Super League’s assist charts with 43, far surpassing any other player in the competition.
• He was named as Super League’s best player in the second third of the season by the Man of Steel and was in the top four during the final third.
• But despite that, Connor has not been able to earn a place on the plane to Perth next week, despite McDermott’s ringing endorsement of him after being appointed as head coach.
• Check Love Rugby League throughout the day as more details on England’s squad emerge.
• Lewis was the shock name in the England boss’ 23-man squad, released this morning, with the Hull KR half-back joining teammate Jez Litten in the national side.

Sources

• BBClink
• Love Rugby Leaguelink
• Radioroyallink
• Serious About Rugby Leaguelink
• Skysportslink
• Theeagleonlinelink
• Total Rugby Leaguelink
• The Indian Expresslink
• Bleacherreportlink
• Football-Italialink
• K24link
• Warpbeatlink
• Burytimeslink
• Vanguardngrlink
• WarpBeat — background on England Avoid Australia and India in 2027 World Cup Draw link
• Love Rugby League — video link