Former Super League stars on the duo who they think are the biggest omissions from the England train-on squad

An England squad announcement is always going to cause a big debate amongst fans and pundits, usually because of the omission of certain Super League stars.

Former Super League players Danny McGuire and Jon Wells have now shared their thoughts about who they think should’ve been included in the squad and why.

Speaking on Sky Sports before kick-off of the game between Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos, the pair picked out two players, one from either side, who they think were unlucky to miss out.

The first name mentioned was Leeds’ Jake Connor, who most Super League fans are shocked to not see included, considering his 2025 season form, but also not surprised, as there is a connection missing between him and England boss Shaun Wane.

Fellow Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin didn’t hold back on sharing his thoughts earlier in the week, stating that Wane “just doesn’t like the bloke”.

On Connor’s England omission, the Castleford Tigers boss McGuire said: “Without a doubt, he should be in there. There are a few players I could put above him talent-wise, but not many.

“Are we that blessed with talented players that somebody of his level is not in that squad?

“That’s only my opinion, by the way, I’m not making the decisions, but I think he’s a very good player and that physicality and toughness are coming now with age and experience.”

Jon Wells echoed McGuire’s thoughts but admitted that he still has time to catch Wane’s eye between now and the end of the season.

Wells added: “I think he’s also finally just put a lid on that kind of petulance and he’s got a hold on that temper that’s plagued him for so many seasons.

“I don’t think that’s a door closed, is it? It’s not necessarily a statement of what you’re going to sew at the end of the year, and there’s still plenty of rugby to be played.

“I think the likes of Tom Davies, Dean Hadley and Jake Connor, for example, will just crack on with their season with the way that they’re going.”

Former Super League legend on Hull KR man who he thinks should make the England squad

McGuire agreed with Jon Wells, especially on utility forward Dean Hadley, a player whom he knows very well from his Hull KR coaching days.

McGuire finished: “He was my first signing for KR with Jez Litten. Could he hack it? I think that’s his strength, his ability to be consistent and play in the moments.

“When the game starts to bite, you know Dean’s going to turn up, and that’s his biggest strength. He’s a very, very talented player.

“As a middle, does he lack a little bit of size and presence? Yes, but he makes up for it in his determination and his commitment to the team.”