Izzy Rowe: England call-up is a dream come true ahead of 2026 Rugby League World Cup

England and Wigan Warriors halfback Izzy Rowe says a place in England's Rugby League World Cup squad is the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition as she prepares to head to Australia alongside a close-knit group of teammates eager to challenge on the sport's biggest stage.

Rowe admitted there were some anxious moments while waiting for the call from England Head Coach Stuart Barrow.

"At first I was a bit nervous because we'd been told he was ringing people who hadn't made the squad first. I was wondering whether we'd got past that point of the day or not.

"But when I got on the phone with him, he was really lovely and gave me the news I wanted to hear. It was a surreal feeling. It's something I've been aiming for my whole life and I can't wait."

The 19-year-old will head to Australia alongside a strong Wigan contingent and is looking forward to sharing the experience with both clubmates and England teammates.

"It's amazing. We're going to the other side of the world to play rugby with all my mates. Even the girls who aren't from Wigan, we're a really close-knit group.

"And then there are the girls based in Australia who you don't get to see as often. It's going to be great getting to know them more, learning from them and soaking everything up. I think it's going to be a really fun experience."

Among those Rowe is excited to learn from are England stars Georgia Roche and Fran Goldthorp, who have impressed in the NRLW.

"It's unreal. I grew up watching Georgia, especially because she plays in the same position as me.

"I've got a photo of me with Georgia from when I was about 12 years old and she was playing at Castleford. To see what she's gone on to achieve in her career is really inspirational and I just want to learn as much as I can."

Rowe also reflected on attending the previous Rugby League World Cup as a teenager, a moment that planted the seed of one day representing England on the biggest stage.

"I actually went to watch during the last World Cup. I'd suffered an ACL injury and it was around my birthday, so I went along to the games.

"I remember watching and thinking, 'I want to compete in this tournament one day'. Seeing all those players there and how much it meant to them was amazing."

With family members based in Australia, Rowe is hopeful they will be able to cheer her on during the tournament.

"We've talked about it a lot as a family. I've got relatives over in Australia, so it'll be nice for them to come and watch.

"It's all a bit surreal for me and my family, but I just can't wait to get over there and experience it."

Rowe believes England's blend of Betfred Women's Super League talent and players currently competing in the NRLW will be a major strength heading into the tournament.

"It's really important. Having players who are playing in Australia gives us experience of what those competitions and opponents are like.

"Then you've got players coming from Super League as well. It's an exciting mix and I'm looking forward to taking on board all the experiences and learning opportunities that come with it."

The influence of Wigan Warriors Head Coach Denis Betts has also played a significant role in Rowe's development, and she revealed he was delighted to see so many of his players earn international selection.

"He's over the moon for all of us. One of his goals this year was to help as many Wigan girls as possible put themselves in position for England selection and I think he's done a pretty good job.

"He's really proud of us all."

As for what would define a successful World Cup campaign personally, Rowe is determined to embrace every moment.

"For me it's about enjoying myself, enjoying playing rugby and taking everything on board.

"I want to learn new things, experience rugby on the other side of the world and make the most of every opportunity. It's an amazing occasion and I can't wait to get started."

England Women begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign in Perth against Wales before taking on tournament hosts Australia and Samoa in Group A. Fixtures are as follows:

Saturday 17 October

England v Wales – 7.35am

HBF Park, Perth

Saturday 24 October

England v Australia – 10.05am

HBF Park, Perth

Friday 30 October

England v Samoa – 6.45am

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

The top two teams from Group A will progress to the semi-finals, with the Rugby League World Cup Final taking place at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on Sunday 15 November.