Connor out, Lewis in as England name Rugby League World Cup squad

Connor omitted, Lewis selected for England Rugby League World Cup squad Leeds Rhinos half‑back Jake Connor, the 2025 Super League Man of Steel, will not be part of England’s Rugby League World Cup squad after being edged out by Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis. The 31‑year‑old Connor finished the recent Super League season with 43 assists, the highest total in the competition, and had been widely expected to secure a place following a strong domestic campaign and endorsement from head coach Brian McDermott. Lewis, whose season was marked by inconsistency, persuaded McDermott that he merits inclusion alongside established half‑backs George Williams of Warrington Wolves and Harry Smith of Wigan Warriors. For Connor, the omission adds to a series of England setbacks, recalling his controversial exclusion from the squad for last autumn’s fixture against Australia. England squad: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Max King (Bulldogs), Morgan Knowles (Dolphins), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Brad O'Neill (Wigan Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights) More to follow.