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

The anticipation surrounding the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has reached a fever pitch as England prepares for their opening clash against Tonga in Perth. In a significant selection decision, head coach Brian McDermott has opted to start Harry Smith alongside captain George Williams in the half-back positions. This choice has resulted in Mikey Lewis, a standout talent from Hull KR, being excluded from the matchday squad entirely.

Lewis, who earned his spot in the tournament squad after a competitive selection process, finds himself listed as one of three non-playing reserves for Saturday's game. Alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty, Lewis will remain on the sidelines as England looks to secure a vital victory in their opening Group B-C fixture. The decision comes after an inconsistent year for Lewis, though his inclusion in the wider squad highlighted his potential value to the team.

Brian McDermott, who took the reins from Shaun Wane in April, addressed the media regarding the tactical rationale behind the selection. He explained that the team's intended style of play for this specific match aligns more effectively with the attributes brought by Harry Smith. McDermott noted that Lewis shares a similar playing profile to captain George Williams, making the decision to prioritize Smith a strategic one rather than a reflection of a lack of faith in Lewis's abilities.

Despite the disappointment of missing the opener, McDermott praised Lewis's professional attitude. He emphasized that Lewis remains fully committed to the group's objectives and possesses the humility required to support his teammates from the sidelines. The coach remains confident that Lewis will play a role in the tournament as the campaign progresses, especially given the physical demands of international rugby league.

Beyond the half-back selection, McDermott made another notable call at the full-back position. AJ Brimson, the Brisbane-born player who debuted during last year's Ashes series, has been selected to start ahead of the highly regarded Jack Welsby. McDermott described the decision as incredibly difficult, acknowledging Welsby's status as a fantastic international player. This selection underscores McDermott's commitment to utilizing heritage players to bolster England's competitiveness on the global stage.

England's path to the semi-finals involves navigating a challenging pool that includes Tonga, France, and Papua New Guinea. With the top two teams from the combined pool advancing, every match carries significant weight. The team is focused on hitting the ground running in Perth before traveling to Wollongong for their subsequent fixtures. As the tournament unfolds, the depth of the squad and the tactical flexibility shown by McDermott will be tested against some of the world's best rugby league nations.