Brian McDermott’s biggest remaining Rugby League World Cup headache after halves clarity

For much of 2026, the discourse around the England team at this year’s Rugby League World Cup has been over who will play in the halves, however, Brian McDermott actually faces a much bigger headache in another spine position.

There is, of course, still a slight headache in the halves, though George Williams‘ early return and sensational return to form has locked him into the number six shirt, meaning McDermott has the unenviable task of choosing between Jake Connor and Harry Smith as regards who plays next to Williams.

Whilst a headache, that’s not a bad one to have as both players have been in exceptional form and both would be very comfortable in that number seven shirt. The same probably can’t be said for the number one shirt.

Since Sam Tomkins’ retirement, it had been Jack Welsby’s shirt to lose but he did lose it last year during the Ashes and there’s now clear uncertainty over who England’s full-back will be in just under two months when the Rugby League World Cup kicks off.

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England’s Rugby League World Cup full-back options

Jack Welsby

As referenced above, Welsby was the incumbent heading into the Ashes but even he’d admit that the first Test was a bit of a nightmare and it may well have resulted in a year of shifting around in Saints’ spine.

That spine has been moved around plenty again in 2026 and whilst he has played the majority of his games in that role this year (13/18), he’s most recently been moved to centre to accommodate Tristan Sailor.

Like 2025, Welsby’s form also hasn’t been at the heights of his run of years from 2021 through 2024, though form is a big issue across this position in terms of Brian McDermott’s selection.

AJ Brimson

Brimson was the man to replace Welsby at last year’s Ashes, playing relatively well in the second Test before bowing out injured early on in the third Test and that was his last game at full-back.

The Gold Coast Titans man has not started a single match at full-back since with centre being the position he’s played for the bulk of 2026, and even then he’s not torn it up, scoring just four tries and assisting six more.

One notch in McDermott’s favour is that McDermott is a coach at the Titans, so perhaps he gets a greater insight into what the 27-year-old does at training, though the fact he’s not started that position since Headingley last year is a big worry.

Herbie Farnworth

Ironically, the man who could offer the most excitement at full-back is someone who has not played there at all, at least not as a starter since 2021.

Herbie Farnworth is the best centre in the world and genuinely in the conversation to be a top five player in the NRL but he found it hard to get a real grip on games in the Ashes. Moving him to full-back, a position that he’s previously expressed interest in playing, would ensure that he is at the heart of the England attack.

Moreover, England have plenty of options in the centres. Admittedly, none are as good as Farnworth but the likes of Ash Handley, Umyla Hanley, Jake Wardle, and Billy Smith are all strong options should McDermott opt to move Farnworth into the number one role.

England’s 40-man performance squad ahead of the Rugby League World Cup

Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O’Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley (all Wigan Warriors), Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Jake Connor (all Leeds Rhinos), Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, Matty Ashton (all Warrington Wolves), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis (all Hull KR), Morgan Smithies, Jayden Brailey (both Canberra Raiders), Victor Radley, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala (all Sydney Roosters), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson (all St Helens), Morgan Knowles, Herbie Farnworth (both Dolphins), Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone (all Wakefield), Max King (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Dominic Young (Newcastle Knights), Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards)