Jake Connor has been left out of England’s Rugby League World Cup squad, with Mikey Lewis beating him to a place.
Leeds Rhinos half-back Connor, the 2025 Super League Man of Steel, had been expected to make the final cut after being talked up by England head coach Brian McDermott and enjoying a strong domestic season.
The 31-year-old provided more assists – 43 – than anyone else during the Super League campaign just completed.
But Hull KR’s Lewis, who endured an inconsistent season, has done enough to convince McDermott that he should join captain George Williams, the Warrington stand-off, and Wigan’s Harry Smith as half-back options.
For Connor, it is another England disappointment to follow his controversial omission from the squad for last autumn’s home series against Australia.
England squad: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Max King (Bulldogs), Morgan Knowles (Dolphins), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)