England omit Mikey Lewis for World Cup opener

Mikey Lewis has been left out of England’s Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga, with Harry Smith and captain George Williams named in the half-back line ^[1]. Lewis, who earned his spot over 2025 Super League Man Of Steel Jake Connor, was not even named on the bench for Saturday’s fixture in Perth. He joins Ben Currie and Ben Talty as non-playing reserves.

England head coach Brian McDermott has opted for a squad built around heritage players, including AJ Brimson, an Australia-born full-back who made his debut in last year’s Ashes ^[1]. Brimson starts ahead of Jack Welsby, while debutants Max King and Hugo Savala are included, both with Australian roots. Victor Radley and others round out the men’s squad.

The women’s teams were also announced, with Jasmin Strange and Connie Boyd set for international debuts for England, while Wales will welcome second-row Paige Travis in her first appearance since the last World Cup ^[1]. Hannah Bluck will represent Wales at a fourth sport—having previously played rugby union, football, and basketball at senior or junior levels.

Australia, co-hosts and favourites, have named Reece Walsh at full-back despite a long injury layoff since August 15, with James Tedesco out after winning the 2026 Clive Churchill medal ^[1]. Walsh’s selection is paired with Test debutant Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic in the backline. Isaah Yeo captains Australia despite delaying surgery on a torn pectoral muscle, while Nathan Cleary is out with a broken ankle. The story was first reported by BBC News.