The road to the Rugby League World Cup is entering its final stretch, and for England hopefuls competing in the Betfred Super League Play-Offs, the stakes are higher than ever. Brian McDermott has challenged those pushing for selection to show exactly what they can offer — and the next three weeks could prove decisive in his decision making.
First up is an intriguing clash between Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Leopards, with several England hopefuls set to take centre stage.
Mike McMeeken has been a mainstay of the England squad in recent years and will be out to show McDermott exactly why he has been such an integral part of the international setup. The Trinity forward will look to make his presence felt through the middle when the sides meet on Friday night.
His Wakefield teammate Tom Johnstone will also be looking to build on his strong recent form. The winger crossed for two tries against Leigh last Friday, adding to his impressive season tally.
Johnstone faces stiff competition for a place on the England flank, with Matty Ashton, Dom Young and Zach Eckersley among those to have enjoyed tremendous seasons for their respective clubs.
Leigh, meanwhile, have their own England contender in Umyla Hanley. His impressive recent form earned him a late call-up to the England performance squad, while he was also named in the Super League Dream Team for the second consecutive year.
Hanley has registered 10 tries and 10 assists in 16 league appearances this season and will be looking to take another step towards breaking into the England setup for the first time.
Saturday night brings a mouthwatering clash between Warrington Wolves and Hull KR, with both sides boasting a host of current and potential England internationals.
Warrington skipper George Williams has been in fine form since returning from what was potentially a season-ending injury. He has guided his side to four wins from the five games he has featured in, while also picking up Player of the Match honours in four of those appearances.
Standing opposite him will be Mikey Lewis, who has endured a difficult couple of months after serving two separate bans, both following sin bins against Warrington.
Lewis will now have the perfect opportunity to put that behind him, with a strong Play-Off series potentially strengthening his case to partner Williams in the England halves — as he did in last year's opening Ashes Test at Wembley.
Another intriguing battle will take place at dummy-half, where Warrington's Danny Walker and Hull KR's Jez Litten have both been consistently impressive throughout 2026.
With the pair likely competing for the same spot in England's World Cup squad, Saturday's Eliminator provides another opportunity for both players to lay down a marker and show McDermott why they should be part of his plans.
NRL Finals Series
The NRL Finals Series also continues this weekend, with several England hopefuls looking to keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
Victor Radley is set to line up for the Sydney Roosters in their knockout clash with the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday, alongside Billy Smith and Hugo Savala. Like Radley, both players have pledged their international allegiance to England.
Then, on Sunday, England star Dom Young heads to New Zealand with the Knights to face the New Zealand Warriors.
Young made a major impact in Newcastle's emphatic victory over South Sydney Rabbitohs in the opening round of the Finals last week and will be looking to produce another big performance as his side's campaign continues.
With England selection on the horizon, every carry, tackle, try and big-game performance could count as the Play-Offs and Finals Series reach their decisive stages.
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.
