Jake Connor left out of England’s Rugby League World Cup squad — BBC Sport

England’s rugby league team has announced its squad for the World Cup, with Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor not included. Instead, a place in the squad went to Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis. He is one of the options at half-back alongside captain George Williams of Warrington Wolves and Harry Smith of Wigan Warriors.

Selection at half-back

As BBC Sport reports, the 31-year-old Connor was expected to make the final squad after a strong Super League season. In 2025, he won the Man of Steel award, and in the completed Super League campaign he provided 43 assists — the most of any player in the competition.

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England head coach Brian McDermott selected Lewis despite his inconsistent season. For Connor, this is another instance of missing out on the national team: last autumn, he was also not included in the squad for the home series against Australia.

England squad

The squad also includes Matty Ashton, AJ Brimson, Ben Currie, Zach Eckersley, Herbie Farnworth, Ethan Havard, Max King, Morgan Knowles, Jez Litten, Junior Nsemba, Brad O'Neill, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley, Hugo Savala, Morgan Smithies, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Ben Talty, Jack Welsby and Dom Young. The clubs represented in the squad include Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Dolphins, Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights.