Mikey Lewis Left Out of England Squad for Rugby League World Cup Opener Against Tonga

Head coach Brian McDermott left Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis out of the England squad for their Rugby League World Cup opening match against Tonga, selecting Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson at full-back instead of Jack Welsby, skysports.com reported. The tournament opener in Australia marks a significant selection choice for the England men’s team as they begin their campaign for a semi-final spot.

Brian McDermott Selects Squad for Tonga Clash

Lewis edged 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor for a spot in the wider England squad, but Yahoo News UK reported that his omission from the starting XIII and bench follows an inconsistent season with Hull KR. McDermott instead named Lewis among the three reserves alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty. Meanwhile, Jack Welsby starts the match among the interchange options after widespread anticipation that he would feature in the starting line-up at full-back.

Wigan winger Zach Eckersley earned selection ahead of Matty Ashton to make his international debut on the wing. Sydney Roosters team-mates Victor Radley and Hugo Savala both feature in the side, with Radley returning for the first time since the 2024 series victory over Samoa and Savala in line for his first international appearance. Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King also earns his first start for England following a strong season in Australia.

George Williams Captains England in Australia

Super League Grand Finalist George Williams captains the side and partners Harry Smith in the halves. Brad O’Neill returns to the team after earning his sole prior cap during the 2024 mid-season international against France. The interchange options comprise Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, and Matty Ashton.

England Women Prepare to Face Wales in Perth

England Women’s head coach Stu Barrow named his squad to face Wales in their World Cup opener in Perth, scheduled for a 7.35am BST kick-off. Jasmin Strange, Connie Boyd, and Hope Millard are all in line to make their senior international debuts. Strange joins the side after competing in her fourth consecutive NRLW Grand Final, having won premierships with both the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters.

Reigning Woman of Steel Jenna Foubister was named to the interchange bench ahead of her World Cup debut. The 19-year-old Wigan Warriors half-back scored in each of her first two senior internationals and registered nine tries across 18 appearances in all competitions. Fran Goldthorp returns for her first international appearance since the 2022 World Cup, where she scored three tries in four matches. Goldthorp joins fellow NRLW-based players Georgia Roche and Hollie-Mae Dodd in the squad.

Jodie Cunningham will captain England at her fourth World Cup tournament. The interchange bench includes Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Jenna Foubister, and Hope Millard.

Group Matches and Tournament Schedule

Wales named a squad featuring Paige Travis, who will play against former colleagues after representing England at the previous tournament. Former rugby union internationals Ffion Lewis and Hannah Bluck are also included in the Wales selection, with Bluck set to play an international match in a fourth different sport following previous appearances in football and basketball. The Wales match precedes further pool fixtures for the England men’s team, who face France and Papua New Guinea in their bid to secure a semi-final berth in Australia.