Matty Lees being injured for the rest of the season is not only a blow for St Helens, but it is equally bad news for England, who now go into a Rugby League World Cup without one of their key enforcers.
Lees has represented his country on 12 occasions and has started in the front row in the last eight consecutive games, including in all three Ashes Tests.
The 28-year-old made his representative debut at the 2022 World Cup, however he will have to wait another four years to play in the competition again.
The new England head coach, Brian McDermott, will pick his squad throughout the year before he finalises his travelling contingent in early October.
Had he been injury-free, Lees was expected to be one of the first names on that list, but with him now done for the year, it means someone else will have to step up to the plate.
With that in mind, here are five players who now could be in with a chance of earning a place on the plane following Lees’ injury.
For reference, we have omitted any of the other props that made the last England squad, for the Ashes, so Ethan Havard, Mike McMeeken, Mikolaj Oledzki, Owen Trout and Alex Walmsley are not included.
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Five players to replace England prop Matty Lees at the Rugby League World Cup
Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors)
It was a surprise to see the former NRL man out of the Ashes side last year, however he was struggling with injury throughout the season.
After a year out of the national side, Thompson has the fire in his belly to return to those heights, and if selected, his quality and experience playing against NRL stars will be crucial come October and November.
You’d expect a solid performance in the Challenge Cup Final this weekend would boost his chances of selection, with a good showing proving he can perform on the big stage.
Caleb Hamlin-Uele (Wakefield Trinity)
The Wakefield enforcer qualifies for England through heritage, and given his early season form deserves to be in the conversation for a spot on the plane.
He has never played international rugby before, but if he continues his efforts throughout the year, he will be a handy addition to McDermott’s side.
Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos)
Another man who qualifies through heritage, Talty put his hand up to play for England earlier this year, with McDermott later revealing he is more than happy to pick foreign-born English players in his side.
Talty was part of Brisbane’s World Club Challenge side earlier in the year, and if selected would no doubt become teammates with some of that Hull KR contingent that took the spoils back on February 19.
Tom Holroyd (Leeds Rhinos)
Leeds prop Holroyd has made just the one international appearance, with that coming in 2023 against France.
All of Leeds’ props have been strong this season, with Holroyd being a key part of the Rhinos’ middle unit. After reclaiming his number 10 shirt for 2026, his focus will now be on reclaiming his place in the national team.
George Delaney (St Helens)
Lees could potentially see a club teammate take his place, as Delaney now looks to step up for Paul Rowley’s Red Vee and become a dominant starting prop.
After mainly featuring off the bench for Saints, Delaney now has a chance start a run of games in the front row, and if he succeeds that could lead him to his first international call-up.
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