When England kick off their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth, they will do so without half-back option Mikey Lewis, who has been left out of the matchday 17 entirely. According to BBC Sport, head coach Brian McDermott opted for Harry Smith alongside captain George Williams in the half-back positions for Saturday's fixture.
BBC Sport reported that Lewis, who pipped 2025 Super League Man Of Steel Jake Connor to earn a place in the England squad, did not even make the bench. Hull KR's Lewis will instead be listed as a non-playing reserve alongside Ben Currie and Ben Talty.
Background
According to BBC Sport, McDermott succeeded Shaun Wane in April and has made a major selection call at full-back by choosing AJ Brimson ahead of Jack Welsby for the Group B-C opening game. McDermott indicated a desire to use heritage players—those who qualify for England through family background—to ensure the strongest possible squad. Australia-born Brimson, who made his England debut in last year's Ashes series against the Kangaroos, is one of four such players in the squad alongside debutant Max King. Bulldogs prop King, born in Huddersfield while his Australian father David was a player there, features alongside fellow debutant Hugo Savala and Victor Radley.
Why it matters
For sports enthusiasts in Pakistan and around the world following international rugby league, squad selections and the integration of heritage players highlight the strategic decisions national coaches face when building competitive teams for major global tournaments.
What's next
According to BBC Sport, England face Tonga in Perth on Saturday, before taking on France in the same city on 24 October and then Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on 30 October. The England women's team, named by coach Stu Barrow, also opens its fixtures against Wales on Saturday in Perth.