Lewis Selected as Connor Misses England World Cup Squad

England coach Brian McDermott has named Mikey Lewis in the 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup, leaving out Leeds Rhinos halfback Jake Connor despite his competition-high 43 assists in the completed Super League campaign. Hull KR teammate Jez Litten is also in the squad, while no players from Leeds or Wakefield Trinity were selected. McDermott said Connor had enjoyed a strong season but missed selection by a small margin. He said the decision came down to which players he believed could best carry out England’s attack plan and game model, developed to help the team compete with leading nations. The coach did not specify which tactical or role differences separated Connor from the selected players. McDermott said current form and the ability to perform under pressure were among his selection considerations. He cited Lewis’s record in finals, including a World Club Challenge win and an appearance in a Challenge Cup final, as reasons for choosing him. He also acknowledged Lewis had struggled toward the end of the season and received disciplinary bans. Those explanations came from McDermott; the reports did not include separate accounts from Connor or Lewis.