England Names Smith and Williams for World Cup Opener
England will feature Harry Smith and George Williams as half-backs for the Rugby League World Cup match against Tonga.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Other Sports
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Head coach Brian McDermott has finalized the England squad for the opening Rugby League World Cup fixture against Tonga on October 17, 2026. The selection confirms Harry Smith and George Williams will occupy the half-back roles for the match in Perth.
Why it matters
Determining the half-back pairing is critical for England as they prepare to face Tonga in their tournament debut. The finalization of the match-day squad dictates the tactical approach for the opening encounter in Australia.
England has named 3 non-playing reserves for the opening fixture against Tonga. The selection includes Mikey Lewis, Ben Currie, and Ben Talty among the players not designated for the match-day squad.
The players
Brian McDermott
Brian McDermott is the head coach responsible for managing the England rugby league squad during the tournament.
Harry Smith
Harry Smith is a player selected to serve as a half-back for England in the upcoming competition.
George Williams
George Williams is an experienced half-back named to lead the backline for England in the World Cup opener.
Mikey Lewis
Mikey Lewis is a professional rugby league player who has been named as a non-playing reserve for the opening match.
The details
Brian McDermott selected Harry Smith and George Williams to anchor the half-back positions for the team's international opener. Mikey Lewis remains with the team but has been designated as a reserve for the match against Tonga in Perth.
Timeline
England faces Tonga in Perth on October 17, 2026.
England plays France in Perth on October 24, 2026.
England plays Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This roster move sets the tactical foundation for England within the 2026 Rugby League World Cup group stage format. Success in the opener against Tonga is vital to maintaining momentum ahead of subsequent matches against France and Papua New Guinea.
The exclusion of Mikey Lewis from the match-day lineup confirms he will not be eligible to record statistics in the opening round. Fantasy managers and spectators should note that Harry Smith and George Williams will command the team's primary playmaking duties.
The takeaway
England's reliance on established half-backs signals a conservative tactical choice for their first international test. Following this opening match, the squad will need to manage rotation carefully across the remaining group fixtures to ensure depth for later stages.
Further reading
Find more updates on the tournament in the Other Sports section.
Live Poll
Do you support the coach's decision to alter the team's starting half-back lineup?
