McDermott Confirms 23-Man Squad for World Cup
England head coach Brian McDermott has named his 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The selection includes five uncapped players: Hugo Savala, Max King, Ben Talty, Sam Walters and Zach Eckersley. Savala and Victor Radley, who both won the NRL Grand Final with Sydney Roosters, return to the England setup. Max King, born in Huddersfield, and Brisbane Broncos' Ben Talty are the other new faces from the NRL. Newcastle Knights' Dom Young and Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, two of England's top performers at the 2022 World Cup, are also included.[S1][S2][S3][S4]
Wigan Warriors have seven players in the squad: Brad O'Neill, Zach Eckersley, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Junior Nsemba, Luke Thompson and Sam Walters. Warrington Wolves trio Matty Ashton, Ben Currie and George Williams are also selected, with Williams confirmed as captain. Morgan Knowles, AJ Brimson, Kai Pearce-Paul and Morgan Smithies are among the other NRL-based players. Hull KR duo Jez Litten and Mikey Lewis, plus St Helens' Jack Welsby, complete the squad.[S1]
Decentralised Preparation Model Underpins Selection
McDermott explained that the squad was chosen after a thorough process using a decentralised preparation model. Each player in the wider England Performance Programme took part in six or more individual meetings, alongside positional group meetings with McDermott and Systems Manager Carl Jennings. Over a three-month period, more than 200 individual player meetings were held. These meetings produced individual performance plans identifying areas that could make the greatest difference to each player as an England international.[S1]
McDermott said the process challenged players to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths, their point of difference, and the standards required at international level. He added that the aim was for players to arrive in camp already understanding their role within the England Game Model. He thanked all players involved for their effort and application, noting that the final decisions were incredibly difficult given the 38-man initial squad. He also praised the sacrifices made by the wider squad and their alignment with the collective vision.[S1]
World Cup Campaign Kicks Off Against Tonga in Perth
England will begin their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday 17 October at HBF Park in Perth. They will then face France on Saturday 24 October, also at HBF Park. McDermott's men will travel to Wollongong to play Papua New Guinea on Friday 30 October. The tournament is being held in Australia.[S1]
