England stuns with Mikey Lewis pick over Jake Connor for World Cup
England shocks with Mikey Lewis World Cup pick over Man of Steel winner Jake Connor.
England coach Brian McDermott dropped Leeds Rhinos star Jake Connor from the World Cup squad, picking Hull KR's Mikey Lewis instead. Connor, who won Man of Steel last year and finished with 43 assists this season, was controversially left out despite being one of Super League's best.
Lewis missed time to suspensions and lacked Connor's consistency. Elsewhere, three NRL players earned their first World Cup call-ups: Hugo Savala, Max King and Ben Talty.
Australia named their squad with six fresh faces, while Fiji lost several players to injuries and eligibility issues.
- 43
- Jake Connor assists this season
- 6
- Australia fresh faces in squad
- Hugo Savala, Max King, Ben Talty
- NRL debutants at World Cup
Why it mattersConnor is a world-class player; leaving him out weakens England's attack, while Lewis's form suggests risk for the McDermott coaching staff.
AustraliaAustralian NRL stars will compete in the World Cup, and the tournament selection rules affect domestic competition stars seeking international opportunities.
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