Harry Smith and George Williams Selected as England's Half-Backs for Rugby League World Cup Opener; Mikey Lewis Left Out
Coach Brian McDermott names his starting lineup for the match against Tonga, excluding Mikey Lewis from the 17-man squad.
Harry Smith has been named to partner captain George Williams in England's half-back positions for their Rugby League World Cup opening match against Tonga. Mikey Lewis, who was a surprise inclusion in the squad, has been omitted from the 17-man team and will not feature on the bench.
Lewis, a player for Hull KR, secured a place in the England squad over Jake Connor, who was the 2025 Super League Man of Steel. Despite his inclusion in the squad, Lewis will be one of three players, alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty, designated as non-playing reserves for the tournament opener.
England's campaign begins on Saturday in Perth against Tonga. The team is scheduled to play France in the same city on October 24, followed by a match against Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30.
England Men's squad for the match includes AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O'Neill, Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, and Victor Radley. The interchange players are Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, and Matty Ashton.