Connor out, Lewis in as England name World Cup squad

Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor is left out of England's Rugby League World Cup squad, with Hull KR's Mikey Lewis beating him to a place.

Jake Connor missed out on an England squad place for last year's Ashes, for which Mikey Lewis was selected

Jake Connor missed out on a Rugby League World Cup spot by a "small margin" as England seek the players who can best stick to their game plan, head coach Brian McDermott says.

Leeds Rhinos half-back Connor, the 2025 Super League Man of Steel, was left out of the 23-man squad for the tournament - to be held largely in Australia - with Hull KR's Mikey Lewis making the cut instead.

For Connor, it is another England disappointment to follow his controversial omission from the squad for last autumn's home series against Australia.

"Jake Connor missed out on selection by a small margin and it came down to who I think can best stick to the game plan and attack plan," McDermott said.

Source: BBC Sport