England Unveils World Cup Squads: Lewis Omitted, Brimson Starts for Men; Exciting Debuts for Women

In a series of highly anticipated announcements, England Rugby League head coach Brian McDermott has revealed his starting lineup for the Men’s World Cup opener against Tonga, featuring several intriguing selections, while Stu Barrow has named an exciting England Women’s squad to face Wales, as reported by sportsamo.com.

The men’s team selection has sent ripples through the rugby league community, particularly with the surprising omission of Hull KR sensation Mikey Lewis from the initial 17. Lewis, who recently edged out the formidable Jake Connor for a spot in England’s extended squad after a standout season that saw him narrowly miss out on the 2025 Super League Man of Steel award, has been relegated to the three-man reserve list alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty. This decision means the dynamic half-back will miss the high-stakes clash, a testament to the depth and competition within McDermott’s formidable roster.

Perhaps the most talked-about decision centers on the full-back position. Widely expected to start, St Helens star Jack Welsby, a consistent performer and a cornerstone of his club’s recent successes, has been named on the interchange bench. Instead, McDermott has opted for the explosive talent of Gold Coast Titans’ AJ Brimson. Brimson, known for his electrifying speed, elusive running, and robust defense in the NRL, brings a different dimension to the number one jersey. His selection underscores McDermott’s tactical flexibility and a clear intent to match Tonga’s formidable attacking prowess with a potent threat of England’s own. Brimson’s consistent performances for the Titans, where he has become a fan favorite and a key offensive weapon, likely sealed his starting berth, offering a blend of experience and sheer individual brilliance.

The wings will see a fresh face in Wigan Warriors’ Zach Eckersley, who is poised to make his eagerly anticipated international debut. Eckersley’s inclusion ahead of the more experienced Matty Ashton highlights his rapid development and impressive form for Wigan. His pace, aerial ability, and defensive solidity have earned him the nod, signaling McDermott’s confidence in youthful exuberance. Joining him in the starting lineup is fellow Warriors teammate Sam Walters, another rising star whose powerful running and tireless work rate will be crucial in the forwards battle.

The engine room of the England side will be bolstered by the return of Sydney Roosters’ enforcer Victor Radley. Radley, a pivotal figure in the Roosters’ NRL Premiership triumph, makes his first appearance for England since their commanding 2024 series victory over Samoa. His ferocious tackling, astute ball-playing, and relentless energy will provide a significant boost to England’s forward pack. Adding to the Roosters contingent, Hugo Savala is in line to earn his inaugural international cap, a testament to his burgeoning talent and consistent performances in Australia’s top flight.

Another NRL standout, Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King, is also set to make his first start for England. King’s impressive 2024 season in Australia, characterized by his high work rate, strong carries, and defensive resilience, has earned him this opportunity. His inclusion alongside Radley and Walters forms a formidable platform from which England will look to assert dominance over a physically imposing Tongan side.

Leadership for the men’s team will fall to Super League Grand Finalist George Williams, who is set to captain the side. Williams, whose impending move to the Dolphins in the NRL marks a significant chapter in his career, will partner the astute Harry Smith in the halves. Their combination of experience, creativity, and game management will be vital in orchestrating England’s attack and navigating the intense pressure of a World Cup opener. The synergy between Williams’ playmaking flair and Smith’s tactical kicking game could prove to be a potent weapon.

Brad O’Neill also makes a welcome return to the England setup, earning his second cap after his debut in the 2024 mid-season international against France. O’Neill’s versatility and commitment make him a valuable asset off the bench, capable of impacting the game in multiple positions. The full England men’s squad for the Tonga clash showcases a blend of NRL powerhouses and Super League stalwarts, a deliberate strategy by McDermott to leverage the best talent available from both hemispheres.

England Men: AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights), Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors), George Williams (Warrington Wolves – captain), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Max King (Canterbury Bulldogs), Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters).

Interchange: Jez Litten (Hull KR), Luke Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves).

Strange and Boyd Set for International Debuts in Women’s World Cup Opener

England Women’s head coach Stu Barrow has also unveiled his squad for their World Cup opener against Wales in Perth, scheduled for a 7:35 AM BST kick-off on Saturday. The team features an exciting blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers, with three players poised to make their senior international debuts: Jasmin Strange, Connie Boyd, and Hope Millard.

Jasmin Strange’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy. She joins the squad fresh off featuring in her fourth consecutive NRLW Grand Final, boasting premierships with both the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters. Her extensive experience at the pinnacle of women’s rugby league in Australia brings a winning mentality and a high level of professionalism to the England setup. Strange’s versatility and big-game temperament will be invaluable as England embarks on its World Cup campaign.

On the interchange bench, reigning Woman of Steel Jenna Foubister is set to make her World Cup debut. The 19-year-old Wigan Warriors half-back has been a revelation, scoring in each of her first two senior internationals and registering an impressive nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions in 2026. Her remarkable attacking instincts and composure beyond her years make her a potential game-changer coming off the bench.

Fran Goldthorp makes a welcome return to the England side, her first appearance since the 2022 World Cup where she demonstrated her try-scoring prowess with three tries in four matches. The full-back is one of three NRLW-based players selected, highlighting the growing talent pool benefiting from playing in Australia. She is joined by Newcastle Knights half-back Georgia Roche and Canberra Raiders forward Hollie-Mae Dodd, both of whom have carved out successful careers down under and will bring a robust, high-performance edge to the squad.

Amelia Brown is also slated to make her first England appearance since her memorable hat-trick on debut against Wales at AMT Headingley in November 2024. Her return adds another potent attacking option to Barrow’s arsenal. Leading the team will be the experienced Jodie Cunningham, who is set to captain England at her fourth World Cup. Cunningham’s leadership, vast experience, and unwavering commitment will be crucial in guiding the team through the challenges of the tournament.

The England Women’s squad reflects a strong blend of domestic and international experience, with a clear focus on dynamic playmaking and robust defense. The strategic inclusion of NRLW talent, combined with the exciting potential of players like Foubister, positions England as a formidable contender in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

England Women: Fran Goldthorp (Newcastle Knights), Anna Davies (St Helens), Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors), Connie Boyd (Leeds Rhinos), Amelia Brown (York Valkyrie), Isabel Rowe (St Helens), Georgia Roche (Newcastle Knights), Mary Coleman (Leeds Rhinos), Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Hollie-Mae Dodd (Canberra Raiders), Jasmin Strange (Sydney Roosters), Eva Hunter (St Helens), Megan Williams (Wigan Warriors).

Interchange: Jodie Cunningham (St Helens – captain), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Jenna Foubister (Wigan Warriors), Hope Millard (Leeds Rhinos).

Facing them in their opening fixture, Wales Women will be looking to cause an upset. Their squad, led by a determined group of players, will seek to capitalize on any early tournament nerves from their English counterparts. Key players like Ffion Lewis in the halves and Bethan Dainton in the back row will be crucial to their efforts, aiming to disrupt England’s rhythm and establish their own foothold in the contest. The inclusion of Tayla Preston, likely to bring an element of flair, will also be watched closely.

Wales Women: Leanne Burnell (Cardiff Demons), Dani McGifford (London Broncos), Hannah Bluck (Cardiff Demons), Zoe Heeley (Warrington Wolves), Frances Layton (Featherstone Rovers), Ffion Lewis (Cardiff Demons), Tayla Preston (Brisbane Broncos), Agnes Wood (Leeds Rhinos), Jasmine Gibbons (St Helens), Emily Hughes (Wigan Warriors), Georgia Cussons (Leeds Rhinos), Paige Travis (St Helens), Bethan Dainton (Leeds Rhinos).

Interchange: Carys Marsh (Wigan Warriors), Kathryn Salter (St Helens), Katie Carr (Warrington Wolves), Erin Williams (St Helens).

With both England men’s and women’s teams kicking off their World Cup campaigns, the selections highlight a calculated approach from the coaching staff. The men’s team faces a monumental challenge against Tonga, renowned for their physicality and passionate play, while the women’s team will be eager to lay down a marker against Wales. These opening fixtures promise to be thrilling encounters, setting the tone for what is expected to be an enthralling Rugby League World Cup.