Lewis left out for England's Rugby League World Cup opener

Harry Smith is named alongside captain George Williams in the England half-back roles for their 2026 Rugby League World Cup opening match against Tonga – with Mikey Lewis left out. Mikey Lewis is one of three half-back options in the England World Cup squad Harry Smith has been named alongside captain George Williams in England's half-back roles for their Rugby League World Cup opening match against Tonga – with Mikey Lewis left out. Lewis, who pipped 2025 Super League Man Of Steel Jake Connor to a place in England's squad, has not even made the bench for Saturday's fixture. Hull KR's Lewis, who endured an inconsistent year, did enough to convince England head coach Brian McDermott that he should join captain Williams, the Warrington stand-off, and Wigan's Smith as half-back options.

But he will be one of three players, along with Ben Currie and Ben Talty, listed as non-playing reserves. England face Tonga in Perth on Saturday, before taking on France in the same city on 24 October and then Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on 30 October. England men: AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O'Neill, Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley. Interchange: Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton. McDermott,