McDermott names side for World Cup opener

England Men’s Head Coach Brian McDermott has named his playing squad for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup opening game against Tonga at HBF Park in Perth (10.05am KO).

Betfred Super League Dream Team winger Zach Eckersley is set to make his international debut alongside fellow Wigan Warriors teammate Sam Walters.

NRL Premiership winner Victor Radley returns to the England side for the first time since the 2024 series victory over Samoa whilst his fellow Rooster Hugo Savala will earn his first cap.

Bulldogs prop-forward Max King is also set to start for England for the very first time after another impressive season Down Under. The side will be captained by Super League Grand Finalist and Dolphins-bound George Williams and he will be partnered in the halves by Harry Smith.

Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Brad O’Neill returns to the England team after a sole cap back in the 2024 mid-season international versus France. Gold Coast Titan AJ Brimson takes the fullback spot for the opening game.

Teams will name six-person interchange benches throughout the Rugby League World Cup, with only four of those players actually being allowed to enter the field of play.

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England Men v Tonga
1. AJ Brimson
2. Dom Young
3. Hugo Savala
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Zach Eckersley
6. George Williams
7. Harry Smith
8. Max King
9. Brad O’Neill
10. Morgan Knowles
11. Junior Nsemba
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Victor Radley

14. Jez Litten
15. Luke Thompson
16. Ethan Havard
17. Sam Walters
18. Jack Welsby
19. Matty Ashton

20. Ben Currie
21. Mikey Lewis
22. Ben Talty