Jake Connor missed out on a Rugby League World Cup spot by a “small margin” as England search the gamers who can greatest follow their recreation plan, head coach Brian McDermott says.
Leeds Rhinos half-back Connor, the 2025 Tremendous League Man of Metal, was ignored of the 23-man squad for the event – to be held largely in Australia – with Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis making the reduce as a substitute.
For Connor, it’s one other England disappointment to observe his controversial omission from the squad for final autumn’s dwelling collection towards Australia.
“Jake Connor missed out on choice by a small margin and it got here all the way down to who I feel can greatest follow the sport plan and assault plan,” McDermott mentioned.
The 31-year-old had been anticipated to make the squad after being talked up by McDermott and having fun with a robust home season.
However Hull KR’s Lewis, who endured an inconsistent yr, has achieved sufficient to persuade McDermott that he ought to be a part of captain George Williams, the Warrington stand-off, and Wigan’s Harry Smith as half-back choices.
England start their World Cup marketing campaign towards Tonga in Perth on 17 October, earlier than going through France in the identical metropolis on 24 October after which Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on 30 October.
England squad: 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), Dom Younger (Newcastle Knights)
