England head coach Brian McDermott has expanded his Rugby League World Cup performance squad with the additions of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala, reflecting strong recent form in Super League and the NRL as selection decisions move into their most intensive stage.
Form rewarded as World Cup countdown intensifies
Hanley, the Leigh Leopards centre who earned a place in the 2025 Super League Dream Team, has been influential since returning from injury in May. The 23-year-old has crossed for six tries and provided 10 try-assists in a run that has seen Leigh win nine of the 12 fixtures he has played.
Savala, a product of the Sydney Roosters system, has attracted attention in the NRL this season. The 24-year-old halfback has recorded eight tries for a Roosters side that currently sit second in the competition, and he is eligible for England selection through his mother, who was born in England.
"When we announced the 38 players originally selected for the England Performance Group we made it clear there was still plenty of opportunity for others to play their way into contention before the World Cup squad is announced. Umyla and Hugo have done just that with their excellent form for Leigh Leopards and Sydney Roosters," said McDermott.
McDermott underlined that the selection window remains open and that the next phase of fixtures — both in domestic leagues and upcoming tests — will be decisive as he trims the performance group towards the final tournament squad.
What the call-ups mean
The additions address two different selection considerations for England:
- Attacking creativity and tempo — Hanley’s return to form brings both finishing and playmaking to Leigh’s backline, boosting England’s options in the centres.
- Playmaking depth — Savala offers a halfback option from the NRL, with proven try-scoring form and experience at a high standard of competition.
Both players will join the existing cohort in the England Performance Group, where they will be monitored alongside the original 38-man selection as the coaching staff evaluate combinations, match sharpness and fitness ahead of the tournament in Australia.
| Player | Club | Key 2026 stats | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umyla Hanley | Leigh Leopards | 6 tries, 10 try-assists; Leigh won 9 of 12 with him | England-qualified (plays in Super League) |
| Hugo Savala | Sydney Roosters | 8 tries; Roosters sit second in NRL | Eligible via English-born mother |
England’s coaching staff will be balancing domestic form against international experience. Hanley’s recent Super League performances have come in the context of a familiar environment, while Savala’s NRL exposure gives him a different competitive seasoning — both valuable in their own ways to McDermott’s planning.
Next steps for selection and the squad
The World Cup in Australia is less than a season away and McDermott’s statement made clear the door remains open to other players who can force their way into contention through club performances.
- Performance monitoring will continue through the final rounds of Super League and the NRL.
- Training camps and internal assessments will shape the final tournament squad.
- Players already within the Performance Group will face increased competition for places.
With selection battles heating up, these two additions underline England’s willingness to cast a wide net and reward current form as they prepare to contest the World Cup on foreign soil.
The final squad selection timeline has not been altered by these call-ups, and further updates are expected as fixtures conclude and the coaching team finalise their plans for the autumn tournament.
