England Drop Mikey Lewis for World Cup Opener as Harry Smith Partners George Williams
Lewis omitted entirely as McDermott backs Smith-Williams halves; Walsh beats Tedesco for Australia No.1
England head coach Brian McDermott has omitted Mikey Lewis entirely from his matchday squad for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga in Perth, selecting Wigan’s Harry Smith alongside captain George Williams as his starting half-back pairing.
Lewis, who earned selection ahead of 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor, will watch from the stands as one of three non-playing reserves alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty. The Hull KR playmaker’s exclusion represents the most significant selection call of McDermott’s nascent tenure, which began when he succeeded Shaun Wane in April.
Smith, 24, has established himself as one of Super League’s premier organizers this season, steering Wigan’s attack with a blend of kicking precision and defensive reliability that McDermott clearly values for a tournament opener against a Tonga side renowned for physical confrontation. Williams, the Warrington stand-off and England captain since 2022, provides the experience and leadership to complement Smith’s game management.
The decision to leave Lewis out entirely — not even on the interchange bench — suggests McDermott views the 23-year-old’s inconsistent 2026 campaign as a risk he cannot afford in a pool where England must finish top two among six teams to reach the semi-finals. Group B-C combines traditional groups, with England facing France in Perth on October 24 and Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30 after the Tonga clash.
At fullback, McDermott has chosen Brisbane-born AJ Brimson over Jack Welsby, a call that underscores the coach’s stated willingness to deploy heritage players. Brimson, who debuted in last year’s Ashes series against Australia, is one of four such selections alongside Max King, Hugo Savala, and Victor Radley. King, a Canterbury prop born in Huddersfield while his Australian father David played there, makes his debut alongside Sydney Roosters grand final winner Savala.
England Men’s 17 vs Tonga: AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams (c), Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O’Neill, Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley. Interchange: Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Australia have named Reece Walsh at fullback for Thursday’s tournament curtain-raiser against New Zealand, persisting with the 22-year-old despite a club season derailed by injury. Walsh has not played since August 15 for the Brisbane Broncos, yet Kevin Walters has retained faith in the player who starred in last autumn’s 3-0 Ashes whitewash of England. James Tedesco, the Clive Churchill Medalist from the 2026 NRL Grand Final, drops to the bench.
Australia’s preparations have been further disrupted by Nathan Cleary’s broken ankle, ruling the star half-back out of the tournament. Mitchell Moses partners Cameron Munster in the halves, while captain Isaah Yeo will play through a torn pectoral muscle that requires surgery after the World Cup.
Australia Men’s 17 vs New Zealand: Reece Walsh, Jack Bostock, Latrell Mitchell, Kotoni Staggs, Tom Trbojevic, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo (c). Interchange: Tom Dearden, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Bradman Best.
New Zealand, under new coach Stacey Jones, counter with Kalyn Ponga at fullback and a forward pack anchored by James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, and Joseph Tapine. The Kiwis have not beaten Australia in a World Cup match since 2008.
In the women’s tournament, England face Wales in Saturday’s early game (07:35 BST) with debutants Jasmin Strange, Connie Boyd, and interchange Hope Millard named in Stu Barrow’s squad. Wales field Paige Travis, who represented England at the 2022 World Cup, alongside multi-sport athlete Hannah Bluck — a senior rugby union international with junior representative honours in football and basketball. Tayla Preston, Canterbury Bulldogs captain in the NRLW, starts at scrum-half.
