England Rugby League coach Brian McDermott has unveiled his first 38-man performance squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, marking a significant moment in the competition’s buildup.
The squad announcement features the return of Jake Connor, a notable inclusion as the team prepares for the tournament. McDermott’s selection includes 10 uncapped players, signaling the coach’s willingness to inject fresh talent into the international setup.
Tournament Scope
England will compete in the Rugby League World Cup taking place across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea this October and November. The three-nation hosting arrangement represents a significant geographical spread for the tournament, with matches scheduled during the southern hemisphere spring.
The 38-man performance squad serves as an initial selection pool, with further squad refinement expected before the competition begins. This larger group allows McDermott to assess players across different conditions and competitive situations ahead of the final tournament selections.