Mikey Lewis left out of England side for Rugby League World Cup opener

Half-back Mikey Lewis has been left out of the England side for their Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga.

Lewis was chosen by head coach Brian McDermott ahead of 2025 Man of Steel Jake Connor in England’s squad for the tournament, but will not feature in their first pool game in Perth.

Harry Smith instead partners captain George Williams in the halves, with Brisbane-born full-back AJ Brimson preferred to Jack Welsby in the XIII having made his debut during last year’s Ashes series.

NRL-based pairing Max King and Hugo Savala will earn their first England caps along with Wigan wing Zach Eckersley in the starting side. Forward Sam Walters is also primed for an international debut from the bench.

The omission of Lewis comes after an inconsistent season with Hull KR.

England’s men also face France and Papua New Guinea as they look to secure a semi-final spot in Australia.

England men: AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O’Neill, Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley.

Interchange: Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton.

England’s women, meanwhile, face Wales in their first World Cup fixture, with Jasmin Strange, Connie Boyd and Hope Millard set for their first caps.

Paige Travis will play against former colleagues for Wales having represented England at the last tournament, while former rugby union internationals Ffion Lewis and Hannah Bluck are both included – with Bluck set for an international appearance in a fourth different sport, having also played football and basketball at the highest level.

England women: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Georgia Roche, Mary Coleman, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Jasmin Strange, Eva Hunter, Megan Williams.

Interchange: Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Jenna Foubister, Hope Millard.

Wales women: Leanne Burnell, Dani McGifford, Hannah Bluck, Zoe Heeley, Frances Layton, Ffion Lewis, Tayla Preston, Agnes Wood, Jasmine Gibbons, Emily Hughes, Georgia Cussons, Paige Travis, Bethan Dainton.

Interchange: Carys Marsh, Kathryn Salter, Katie Carr, Erin Williams.