Mikey Lewis selected as Jake Connor misses England World Cup squad

England have selected Hull KR half-back Mikey Lewis for their Rugby League World Cup squad, with Leeds Rhinos playmaker Jake Connor missing out. BBC Sport reported that head coach Brian McDermott chose Lewis alongside captain George Williams and Wigan's Harry Smith as his half-back options, despite Connor's strong domestic season.

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Connor, 31, finished the recently completed Super League campaign with 43 assists, the highest total in the competition. The 2025 Man of Steel had been expected to secure a place after receiving public backing from McDermott. His omission follows another international setback last autumn, when he was also left out of England's squad for the home series against Australia.

Lewis was part of that Ashes squad and has retained a place for the World Cup. BBC Sport described his club season as inconsistent, but reported that he had done enough to win McDermott's backing. For Connor, the World Cup decision repeats the disappointment of missing the Australia series, while Lewis has been included for both.

The choice follows McDermott's indication last month that he would probably take three half-backs to the tournament. He had already identified Williams as one of them. The Warrington stand-off will captain the side before moving to Australia to join the Dolphins after the World Cup, according to the BBC report. Smith and Lewis complete that three-player group.

McDermott's earlier comments had suggested Connor was firmly in contention. After becoming England head coach in April, he said the Leeds player featured in his World Cup plans and defended him against criticism of his temperament. The final selection therefore leaves out a player the coach had publicly supported during the build-up to naming his squad.

The published 23-player list also includes St Helens' Jack Welsby, Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth and Newcastle Knights winger Dom Young. Wigan have seven representatives, including Smith, Junior Nsemba and Luke Thompson, while Lewis is joined by Hull KR team-mate Jez Litten. Sydney Roosters pair Victor Radley and Hugo Savala are also included, as are Brisbane Broncos' Ben Talty and Gold Coast Titans' AJ Brimson.