England Names Lewis Among Reserves for Tonga World Cup Opener

Several selection changes will shape England's opening men's Rugby League World Cup fixture against Tonga in Perth, with head coach Brian McDermott leaving Mikey Lewis among the reserves and handing opportunities to several players seeking international recognition. The team announcement, published by Sky Sports on October 13, also confirms that Jack Welsby will begin on the interchange bench rather than at fullback. Lewis, who plays for Hull KR, secured a place in England's squad ahead of 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor.

However, he is one of three reserves, alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty, and has been omitted from the matchday lineup. According to the announced team, Wigan winger Zach Eckersley is set to make his international debut after being selected ahead of Matty Ashton. Wigan teammate Sam Walters is also included in the starting lineup, while Ashton has been named among the interchange players.

Gold Coast Titans player AJ Brimson has been selected at fullback instead of Welsby, who had been widely expected to occupy that position. The decision places Welsby among six interchange players named for the Tonga match.

Victor Radley returns to England's side for the first time since the team's 2024 series victory over Samoa, according to Sky Sports. His Sydney Roosters teammate Hugo Savala is also in line to earn his first international cap. Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King is set to make his first start for England after another strong season in Australia. Brad O'Neill also returns to the national team after making his only previous appearance in the 2024 midseason international against France.

George Williams will captain England and partner Harry Smith in the halves. Williams, who reached the Super League Grand Final, is also set to join the Dolphins. England's starting lineup comprises AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O'Neill, Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul and Victor Radley.

The six interchange players are Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby and Matty Ashton. Lewis, Currie and Talty are listed as reserves. In the women's tournament, England head coach Stu Barrow has named his squad for the opening match against Wales in Perth on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 7:35 a.m.

British Summer Time. Jasmin Strange, Connie Boyd and Hope Millard are in line to make their senior international debuts. Strange joins the squad after appearing in her fourth consecutive NRLW Grand Final and winning premierships with both the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters.

Reigning Woman of Steel Jenna Foubister has been named among the interchange players and is set to make her World Cup debut. The 19-year-old Wigan Warriors halfback scored in each of her first two senior internationals and recorded nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions in 2026, according to Sky Sports.

Fran Goldthorp returns to England's women's team for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, where she scored three tries in four appearances. She is one of three players selected from the NRLW, alongside Newcastle Knights halfback Georgia Roche and Canberra Raiders forward Hollie-Mae Dodd. Amelia Brown is also in line for her first England appearance since scoring a hat trick on debut against Wales at AMT Headingley in November 2024.

Jodie Cunningham is set to captain England at her fourth World Cup. England's women's starting lineup is Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Georgia Roche, Mary Coleman, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Jasmin Strange, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams. The interchange players are Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Jenna Foubister and Hope Millard.

Wales' women's lineup consists of Leanne Burnell, Dani McGifford, Hannah Bluck, Zoe Heeley, Frances Layton, Ffion Lewis, Tayla Preston, Agnes Wood, Jasmine Gibbons, Emily Hughes, Georgia Cussons, Paige Travis and Bethan Dainton. Carys Marsh, Kathryn Salter, Katie Carr and Erin Williams have been named on the interchange bench.