Lewis left out of England’s World Cup opener

Mikey Lewis has been left out of England’s squad for their Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga, while Jack Welsby has been named on the bench by head coach Brian McDermott.

England face Tonga at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday (10.05am), before taking on France in the same city on October 24 and then Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30

Hull KR's Lewis, who edged 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor for a place in England's squad, has been named among the three reserves alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty, leaving him set to miss out on selection.

Jack Welsby had been widely tipped to start at full-back, but McDermott has instead opted for Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson.

Wigan winger Zach Eckersley is set to make his international debut after being selected ahead of Matty Ashton, while fellow Warriors team-mate Sam Walters is also named to start.

Source: Sky Sports