The curtain is rising on a new era of English rugby league, as Brian McDermott unleashes a thrilling cast of characters onto the international stage. At the forefront of this revamped 38-man performance squad is Hull FC's Jake Connor, back in contention for England after a seven-year absence – and what an explosive return it promises to be!
Connor's recall marks a seismic shift from the controversies of the past, when he was shockingly omitted from Shaun Wane's Ashes series squad. Now, under McDermott's guidance, this talented full-back is primed to shake off the rust and fire up England's bid for World Cup glory. And with ten fresh faces joining the fray, including Wakefield Trinity's Jake Trueman and Caleb Hamlin-Uele, alongside Wigan Warriors' Sam Walters and Zach Eckersley – not to mention Hull KR's Dean Hadley and St Helens' Harry Robertson – McDermott is clearly on a mission to shake up the status quo.
McDermott himself has been effusive about his selections, beaming with pride at the sheer breadth of talent at his disposal. "I've loved every minute of scouring Super League and the NRL for players who can take England by storm in 2026," he exclaimed. And with a full squad list that boasts an incredible array of stars from both domestic and international leagues – including Wigan Warriors' Nsemba, Leeds Rhinos' Watkins, and Warrington Wolves' Currie, to name but a few – McDermott is itching to unleash his new-look team onto the World Cup stage.
The road ahead will be far from easy, of course: England's last campaign ended in heartbreak against Samoa, leaving them with no world title to their name. But with this revitalised squad and the fire of ambition burning bright within McDermott, it's clear that the Lionhearts are ready to rise up, roar loud, and make some history.