Harry Smith will start alongside captain George Williams in England’s half-back positions for their Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga in Perth, with Mikey Lewis excluded from the matchday squad entirely.
Lewis, who secured a place in England’s 2023 World Cup squad ahead of 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor, will not even feature on the bench for Saturday’s fixture. Instead, he is listed as one of three non-playing reserves, alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty. Hull KR’s Lewis had an inconsistent season but impressed enough to be selected in the squad by England head coach Brian McDermott, who took charge in April after Shaun Wane’s departure.
The starting line-up announced on Tuesday morning reflects McDermott’s confidence in Smith and Williams as the half-back pairing. Williams, the Warrington stand-off and team captain, will partner Smith from Wigan, leaving Lewis sidelined. McDermott has also made a notable decision at full-back, naming AJ Brimson ahead of Jack Welsby. Brimson, who debuted for England last year in the Ashes series against Australia, is one of four heritage players in the squad. Born in Australia, Brimson qualifies for England through family ties, as does debutant Max King, born in Huddersfield to an Australian father.
England’s starting thirteen for the match against Tonga includes Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, Max King, Brad O’Neill, Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, and Victor Radley. The interchange bench features Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, and Matty Ashton.
The match in Perth on Saturday opens England’s Group B-C campaign. Following Tonga, England will face France in Perth on 24 October and Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on 30 October.
McDermott’s preference for heritage players is clear, with four in the men’s squad, including Sydney Roosters NRL Grand Final winner Hugo Savala and Victor Radley, who also add experience and physicality.
On the women’s side, England’s team for their World Cup opener against Wales in Perth was also confirmed on Tuesday. Coach Stu Barrow named a squad including Jasmin Strange and Connie Boyd, who will make their international debuts, while uncapped Hope Millard is among the interchange players.
England women’s starting thirteen features Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Georgia Roche, Mary Coleman, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Jasmin Strange, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams. The interchange players are Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Jenna Foubister, and Hope Millard.
Saturday’s fixtures will mark the beginning of both the men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cup campaigns for England, with McDermott’s selections setting the tone for the challenge ahead.
According to BBC Sports.
