England head coach Brian McDermott will have been encouraged by another weekend of standout performances from players looking to force their way into his Rugby League World Cup plans.
Wigan Warriors’ front three of Ethan Havard, Liam O’Neill and Mike Cooper laid the platform as the Warriors made it 12 league wins on the bounce on Friday night. O’Neill topped the Warriors’ tackle count with 46 tackles, while Thompson and Havard made 37 and 32 tackles respectively. Thompson also carried for 117 metres from 13 carries, with Havard adding 90 metres from 12 carries.
Umyla Hanley celebrated his call-up to the England performance group with an emphatic victory for the Leopards over the Bulls. The winger crossed for a try and ran for 117 metres from 13 carries as Leigh produced a convincing display.
St Helens’ dynamic duo of Jack Welsby and Harry Robertson were integral to their side’s Round 24 victory over the Tigers as the Saints kept their Play-Off aspirations alive. Welsby scored a try and set up another, while running for a mammoth 222 metres from 18 carries. Robertson also strengthened his hopes of a first England call-up, setting up three tries in attack while making 25 tackles in defence.
Warrington’s England hopefuls all stood up to help the Wolves earn their third win in 10 days. England skipper George Williams produced another Player of the Match display in just his third game back from injury, scoring a try and running for 228 metres from 23 carries.
Williams’ teammate Matty Ashton also impressed, crossing for a try and setting up another, while Danny Walker bagged a try and Ben Currie registered an assist as the Wolves secured another important victory against the Giants on Sunday afternoon.
Leeds Rhinos’ England performance group quartet also enjoyed stellar outings against the Knights on Sunday. Jake Connor once again proved a key figure in attack, racking up another four try assists to take his season total to an impressive 39.
There were also tries for Ash Handley, Mik Oledzki and Kallum Watkins as the Rhinos produced a strong attacking display, with the quartet continuing to stake their claims for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
In the NRL, Herbie Farnworth was in scintillating form to help the Dolphins earn a hard-fought victory against the Eels. Farnworth scored the Dolphins’ first and last try, and ran for a huge 281 metres.
Max King produced a standout display for the Bulldogs as he looks to break into England’s World Cup squad. The front rower crossed for a try, made 93 metres from 12 carries and made 41 tackles during an imposing 55 minute display.
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.
