McDermott explains Connor exclusion and England's World Cup game plan

England head coach Brian McDermott has named his 23-player squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup; He has chosen to leave Jake Connor out, citing big game experience and the game model that England want to play with

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Brian McDermott has consistently talked about England having a "point of difference" in the Rugby League World Cup but eyebrows were raised when the head coach opted to leave Jake Connor out of the squad again.

Connor was controversially left out of England's 3-0 Ashes drubbing last autumn by then head coach Shaun Wane and has once again had a strong season for Leeds Rhinos that led to his Dream Team inclusion.

However, McDermott has opted for George Williams, Harry Smith, and Mikey Lewis as his half-back options, with Sydney Roosters centre Hugo Savala also a capable half-back.

For McDermott, the players in that heavy Ashes defeat series were not the issue, but the game plan enforced that has been tried and failed many times before.

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Source: Sky Sports