England’s strongest 17 for the Rugby League World Cup opener based on Brian McDermott’s 38-man squad

Four months today, England will take to the field for the first time under Brian McDermott as they face Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup and after the England boss named his 38-man performance squad for the tournament, the Serious About Rugby League writers have picked their starting XIIIs based on that squad.

McDermott, who has replaced Shaun Wane after the former Wigan boss was relieved of his duties after six years, will not get the chance to have a warm-up or mid-season fixture ahead of the tournament, so he goes into the tournament cold.

That is one reason why his team selection will be vital in that opening tie with the Tongans. With the way the draw works, should all other results play out as expected, that game could well be the decider as to who makes the semi-finals of the tournament, and who goes home.

With that in mind, the writers at Serious About Rugby League have selected who they would choose to face Tonga, and there are some surprise inclusions but also some big omissions as well.

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How England could line-up against Tonga in Rugby League World Cup opener

Sam Cook:

Starting from the back and it’s a big call for the number one shirt but AJ Brimson was impressive in the second Ashes Test and with Jack Welsby bang out of form, it’s hard to make a case against Brimson. The one downfall is that he plays his club rugby at centre but he also plays for Gold Coast, where McDermott is an assistant so the bond should be strong.

Herbie Farnworth would be a candidate as it would get the ball in his hands more but he’s the best centre in rugby league so switching his may not make sense, however, with Sydney Roosters’ Billy Smith called up to the 38-man squad then perhaps he could play in the centres with Farnworth at full-back. For me though, it’s Farnworth and Wardle who are the best in their respective competitions. As for the wingers, Dominic Young’s athletic prowess is impossible to ignore and whilst he’s not in form at the moment, Matty Ashton is England’s best winger.

The halves are where it gets contentious. Harry Smith is a lock; his kicking game and his experience in big games guarantees him the number seven shirt but what to do at six is another question. Mikey Lewis is perhaps the most exciting option but he can go missing, Jake Connor has played all his recent rugby at seven, and George Williams may not return until just before the play-offs. That said, England won series with Williams and Smith in the halves and McDermott has nailed his flag to the mast of Williams as captain and if he finds the form he showed early in 2026 then I think he’s a great option.

Hooker is obvious on current form, start with the physicality of Brad O’Neill and have him spelled off with the skill and speed of Jez Litten with O’Neill a possible candidate at loose forward if he’s needed for a second spell.

As for the props, Matty Lees drops out through injury and that could see Morgan Knowles deployed at prop with his confrontational style of play something that England need more of. Alongside him, I’d have Mike McMeeken with bench options being New Zealand-born Caleb Hamlin-Uele and NRL-bound Mikolaj Oledzki, who both offer plenty of punch.

In the second-row, Junior Nsemba looks a lock despite missing out on the Ashes. His form is incredible and he offers such a point of difference compared to the other second-rower, Morgan Smithies, who is hard-nosed, horrible and a coach’s dream in terms of how he plays. Smithies also offers position versatility, something that my starting loose forward Victor Radley would also offer. For the final bench spot, I’d select Kai Pearce-Paul, who is injured currently, but should be fit in time for the World Cup.

Starting XIII: AJ Brimson; Dominic Young, Herbie Farnworth, Jake Wardle, Matty Ashton; George Williams, Harry Smith; Morgan Knowles, Brad O’Neill, Mike McMeeken; Junior Nsemba, Morgan Smithies; Victor Radley

Interchanges: Jez Litten, Kai Pearce-Paul, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Mikolaj Oledzki

Sam Brocksom:

Full-back is arguably the hardest position to select, given that on current form Jack Welsby should be nowhere near an England shirt, yet there’s very little else to select. AJ Brimson played there in the Ashes but has been used at centre under McDermott and Gold Coast Titans. Herbie Farnworth wants to play full-back, but that’s a big risk to take in what is such a crucial game, hence I’ve stuck with Welsby.

The centres pick themselves, as do the wingers. Matty Ashton hasn’t been in great try-scoring form since returning from injury, but he still makes the side. George Williams is set to remain as England captain, which I would disagree with. England need more attacking threat, so Lewis and Smith take the two halves spots. Before I get pelters, yes, I would have Jake Connor in the extended squad but Smith has shown he can be more cool under pressure in big-game situations.

Matty Lees’ injury presents a spot in the starting front row, which I think will be taken by Morgan Knowles. Not only does it allow Victor Radley to start at 13, it also gives England more aggression right from the off, something they will need against the Pacific Nations. Canterbury Bulldogs’ Max King takes the other spot.

Brad O’Neill starts for me, with Jez Litten joining the action from the bench. Daryl Clark has been a great servant for England, but like Williams, I think England need new blood in their side.

After missing out on Ashes selection, Junior Nsemba has been incredible in the first half of 2026, whilst Kai Pearce-Paul has been one of the NRL’s best back rowers. He is set for a long period on the sidelines, but he should be back in time for the World Cup, which is why I’ve added him in.

With Radley and Knowles starting, Morgan Smithies gets a spot on the bench alongside Wakefield’s Caleb Hamlin-Uele. He has declared interest in playing for England, and on current form he deserves a place in my side. The final bench place goes to fellow Trinity teammate, Mike McMeeken.

Starting XIII: Jack Welsby; Dominic Young, Herbie Farnworth, Jake Wardle, Matty Ashton; Mikey Lewis, Harry Smith; Max King, Brad O’Neill, Morgan Knowles; Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul; Victor Radley

Interchanges: Jez Litten, Morgan Smithies, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Mike McMeeken