England coach Brian McDermott has named a 38-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, including 10 uncapped players and the recalled Man of Steel Jake Connor. McDermott, who took over from Shaun Wane, aims to assess talent for the tournament.
Leeds Rhinos defeated Wakefield Trinity 40-24 in a bruising Super League encounter at Headingley. Half-back Jake Connor delivered a masterclass with four try assists, having a hand in all three of Maika Sivo's tries. The reigning Man of Steel's performance further strengthens his case for an England recall ahead of the Rugby League World Cup. Leeds survived having three players sent to the sin-bin to secure their eighth win in 10 games, keeping them ahead of St Helens on points difference.
Brian McDermott has been unveiled as England's new head coach on a short-term deal for the Rugby League World Cup in Australia this autumn, beating Sam Burgess to the role. The former Leeds and London coach, currently working in the NRL with Gold Coast Titans, has confirmed Jake Connor - the 2025 Man of Steel - is central to his plans, while criticizing the 'tremendously unfair' treatment the 31-year-old received from predecessor Shaun Wane.
Brian McDermott has been appointed England's new head coach for the Rugby League World Cup, offering Man of Steel winner Jake Connor a path back into the national squad. The 56-year-old, who won four Super League titles with Leeds, described Connor as a 'game-breaker' and criticized the unfair narrative around the half-back, who was controversially omitted from Shaun Wane's Ashes squad. McDermott takes over on a part-time basis, with England's World Cup campaign starting against Tonga on 17 October.
New England rugby league head coach Brian McDermott has confirmed that Jake Connor is part of his plans for this autumn's World Cup, dismissing previous negative narratives surrounding the player.
