The Final Charge kicked off last weekend, bringing added intensity and drama to regular season Betfred Super League games, with several England hopefuls producing standout performances as they look to cement their place in Brian McDermott’s World Cup squad.
One of the biggest selection debates heading into the Autumn centres around the dummy-half position. History suggests a 24-player England squad is likely to include two hookers, as has been the case for the past three Test series.
Brad O’Neill, Danny Walker and Jez Litten are all in contention, while Daryl Clark is likely to miss out after suffering a season-ending ankle injury at Magic WKND.
O’Neill hasn’t featured in any of the past three England squads, but his standout performances in 2026 have given him every chance of forcing his way into McDermott’s World Cup plans.
His presence in defence makes him an ideal Test match hooker. O’Neill can take the sting out of a game early with his no-nonsense approach, while his durability would be a major asset should he be required to play extended minutes.
Litten and Walker have both enjoyed stellar seasons for their respective clubs and have each featured in England squads over the past three years. The pair went head-to-head on Tuesday night when Hull KR and Warrington Wolves met in their rearranged Round Two fixture, with both players making their mark under the lights at Craven Park.
Despite ending up on the losing side, Litten’s impact for the Robins was clear. He set up a try and made 38 tackles, including a crunching effort on Warrington’s James Harrison.
That followed another 38-tackle performance against the Dragons just five days earlier, as well as a try in an important Hull KR victory.
Walker, meanwhile, was at his scheming best for the Wolves. He set up two of Warrington’s six tries and ran for 102 metres from nine carries out of dummy-half.
The hooker had also been integral to Warrington’s Round 23 win over the Knights five days earlier, crossing for a try, running for 102 metres from eight carries and making 33 tackles without missing one.
With all three hookers firmly involved in the Betfred Super League’s Final Charge and still harbouring ambitions of reaching Old Trafford in October, expect the trio to maintain their fine form as they look to force their way into England’s World Cup squad.
Elsewhere, England captain George Williams made his long-awaited return to action against York last Thursday. The Warrington half-back had missed the previous four months with a neck injury but made a timely comeback as the Wolves continue their push for the play-offs.
Williams quickly found his feet, setting up two tries on his return before producing a Player of the Match performance five days later in Warrington’s huge away win at Hull KR.
He finished the night with two assists and a decisive late try, while also running for 150 metres from 20 carries. Crucially, he showed no signs of rustiness heading into the final four rounds of the regular season.
Elsewhere in Round 23, St Helens scored 34 unanswered points to claim a huge victory away at Wakefield.
Jack Welsby continued his strong recent form, recording two more try assists and running for 161 metres from 18 carries. His Saints teammate Alex Walmsley also reminded fans of his international credentials, carrying for 147 metres from 17 carries and making 26 tackles through the middle.
Wigan’s Jake Wardle also produced a barnstorming display against the Bulls to strengthen his claim for a place on the plane to Australia in October. Wardle crossed for two tries and ran for 105 metres from 11 carries, helping the Warriors secure their 11th consecutive league victory.
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.
