Brian McDermott is expected to name his final World Cup squad in two weeks’ time, and with the Betfred Super League Play-Offs and NRL Finals Series reaching their final weeks, England’s hopefuls have just a handful of opportunities left to make their case.
With places in the squad at a premium, several contenders delivered standout performances over the weekend, giving McDermott plenty to consider ahead of his final selection.
Three of the leading candidates for an England wing spot put their best foot forward with standout performances over the weekend.
Wakefield Trinity secured a place in the Betfred Super League Play-Off Semi-Final for the first time in the club’s history on Friday night, with Tom Johnstone once again proving to be one of their biggest attacking threats.
The winger played a key role in Trinity’s memorable victory, scoring a try, making nine tackle busts and racking up an impressive 199 metres from 24 carries. Johnstone’s ability to consistently generate metres and break tackles has been a feature of his game throughout the season, and his latest display will only strengthen his case for a place on the plane.
On Saturday, it was Matty Ashton’s turn to light up the field.
The Warrington Wolves flyer produced a devastating performance against the Robins, crossing for a hat-trick as the Wire booked their place in the Semi-Finals. Ashton also made four tackle busts and ran for 187 metres from 20 carries, underlining the explosive threat he provides on the edge.
With competition for England’s wing spots fierce, Ashton continues to give McDermott plenty to think about with his pace, yardage carries and ability to turn half-chances into points.
Over in the NRL, Newcastle Knights defied the odds once again to defeat the Warriors and secure their place in the Preliminary Finals, with Dom Young producing another strong display on the biggest stage.
Young crossed for an impressive try, while also making 184 metres from 20 carries, seven tackle busts and two line breaks. His ability to get Newcastle on the front foot with his strong carries, and consistent threat to the opposition defensive line will have no doubt caught the eye.
Sydney Roosters were the other big winners in the weekend’s NRL Finals Series, with several England hopefuls contributing to the Tri-Colours’ victory over the Cronulla Sharks.
Hugo Savala was central to the Roosters’ attacking efforts, setting up two tries, while fellow England hopeful Billy Smith continued his strong form with 139 metres from 14 carries, a line break and three tackle busts.
Victory Radley was once again influential through the middle, making 29 tackles during a 49-minute stint. The forward has been a consistent presence for the Roosters and remains firmly in contention as McDermott weighs up his options for the World Cup squad.
Ben Currie’s impressive 2026 campaign continued on Saturday night with another commanding performance through the middle for Warrington.
Currie bagged a try, made 34 tackles without missing one and ran for 109 metres from 20 carries, producing the sort of all-round display that has become a hallmark of his season. The 2026 Dream Team loose forward has quietly gone about his business throughout the Super League campaign – could he be a surprise addition to McDermott’s World Cup squad?
George Williams and Danny Walker also made noticeable impacts for the Wire.
Williams played a key role in Warrington’s attacking efforts, creating a try and running for 98 metres from 20 carries, while Walker impressed at dummy-half and managed to get the upper hand over his opposite number and fellow England hopeful Jez Litten.
The pair are both vying for a place in McDermott’s final squad, with the hooker position one of several areas where competition is particularly fierce. Litten has enjoyed an impressive campaign for Hull KR and shone in last year’s Ashes Series, while Walker’s performances for Warrington continue to keep him in the conversation as he looks for an England recall after missing out last year.
With the World Cup squad announcement now just two weeks away, every performance carries added significance. For England’s hopefuls, the race for a place in McDermott’s plans is reaching its final stages — and there is little time left to make an impression.
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.
