England head coach Brian McDermott will be buoyed by another weekend of standout performances from players hoping to force their way into his Rugby League World Cup plans.
Hull KR hooker Jez Litten produced a player-of-the-match display in the Robins' derby day victory over Hull FC, stepping up superbly in the absence of Mikey Lewis to orchestrate his side around the field. Litten controlled the contest with his kicking game and organisation, laying on two tries while being a constant run threat out of dummy half.
Litten wasn't the only Hull KR forward to catch the eye either, with Dean Hadley delivering another tireless display through the middle. The hard-working forward made 41 tackles and ran for 91 metres as the Robins maintained their push for a top six spot.
Wigan youngster Zach Eckersley continued his remarkable try-scoring form with another two tries in the Warriors' victory over St Helens. The outside back has enjoyed another impressive campaign to cement his spot on the Wigan flank and is making a compelling case for inclusion in England's World Cup squad.
Prop Ethan Havard also impressed for Matt Peet's side, producing a tireless 65-minute stint that saw the front-rower make 26 tackles and 138 metres from 20 carries in an industrious display through the middle.
Trinity winger Tom Johnstone further strengthened his claim for a place on the plane to Australia after starring in his side’s West Yorkshire clash with the Tigers. Johnstone crossed for two tries, registered a try assist and amassed an outstanding 214 metres from 19 carries in another devastating attacking performance.
Jake Connor was once again at the heart of everything good for Leeds Rhinos in their derby victory over Bradford Bulls. The playmaker produced three try assists and landed a monster 40/20 as he dictated proceedings throughout, while veteran forward Kallum Watkins boosted his international hopes with a try and more than 100 metres with ball in hand.
There was further encouragement for McDermott in the NRL, where Dom Young and Billy Smith both crossed for tries as they went head-to-head in Newcastle. Smith’s Roosters teammate Victor Radley was outstanding through the middle, running for over 100 metres while making 42 tackles in another influential display.
Elsewhere, Morgan Smithies returned to action for Canberra Raiders in their convincing home victory over Wests Tigers. The England international will be hoping to help inspire a late push for the top eight as the NRL finals race intensifies.
England kick-off their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign in Perth on Saturday 17 October against Tonga. Follow their World Cup journey across England RL digital channels, YouTube and the Our League app.
