Jake Connor Left Out of England's Rugby League World Cup Squad; Mikey Lewis Included
Despite a strong domestic season and being a favored player, Jake Connor was not named in the final 20-man squad for the World Cup, with Mikey Lewis earning a spot.
Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor has been excluded from England's Rugby League World Cup squad, with Hull KR's Mikey Lewis securing a place. Connor, the 2025 Super League Man of Steel, had been widely expected to be included in the final selection after strong performances throughout the Super League campaign, where he led the league with 43 assists.
However, Lewis, who experienced an inconsistent season, has done enough to convince England head coach Brian McDermott to select him alongside captain George Williams and Harry Smith as the half-back options for the tournament. This marks another international disappointment for Connor, following his controversial omission from the squad for the home series against Australia last autumn.
The full 20-man England squad for the World Cup is: 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), and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights).