Tag: Brian McDermott

Sportsother-sportsOct 16, 2026

Mikey Lewis Omitted from England's Rugby League World Cup Opener

England head coach Brian McDermott has finalized his squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga. Harry Smith will partner captain George Williams in the half-back roles, leaving Mikey Lewis out of the matchday squad. Lewis, who was selected for the tournament squad, will serve as a non-playing reserve for the fixture in Perth. McDermott emphasized that the tactical setup favored Smith's specific skill set for this particular encounter.

Rugby LeagueEnglandWorld CupBrian McDermottMikey Lewis

Sportsother-sportsOct 5, 2026

England Rugby League World Cup Squad: Jake Connor Out, Mikey Lewis In

England head coach Brian McDermott has announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. A notable omission is Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor, who missed the cut by a narrow margin despite a strong domestic season. Instead, Hull KR's Mikey Lewis has been selected to join the squad. McDermott emphasized that the selection was based on a specific game plan and attack model designed to compete with top-tier nations. The squad includes several heritage players and focuses on athletes with experience in high-stakes finals, aiming to bring a unique tactical edge to the tournament in Australia.

Rugby LeagueWorld CupEnglandBrian McDermottJake Connor