Harry Smith has been named alongside captain George Williams in England's half-back roles for their Rugby League World Cup opening match against Tonga, with Mikey Lewis omitted from the match-day 17. Hull KR's Lewis, who beat Jake Connor into the 2026 squad, is one of three non-playing reserves alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty and did not even make the bench after an inconsistent year. Head coach Brian McDermott said Lewis's style is closer to Williams than to Smith, calling the selection an "easy pick" and praising Lewis's humility and role in supporting the squad. AJ Brimson has been chosen at full-back ahead of Jack Welsby for Saturday's game in Perth, a decision McDermott described as "really close." England's starting lineup includes AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King and Victor Radley, with Jez Litten, Luke Thompson and Jack Welsby among the interchange. England play Tonga in Perth on Saturday at 10:05 BST, then face France in Perth on 24 October and Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on 30 October.
