'Won’t be winning owt in OZ then': Rhinos and Wakefield fans react as no players called up to England squad

England has announced its squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup - but with no Leeds Rhinos or Wakefield Trinity players heading to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea next week, it’s fair to say emotions among Yorkshire Evening Post readers have been running hot.

While Wakefield Trinity are busy celebrating their triumph in the Grand Final this weekend, former Leeds boss Brian McDermott revealed England’s 23-man squad for the World Cup, which begins on Thursday, October 15.

The squad features Sydney Roosters’ versatile back Hugo Savala and teammate Victor Radley, Huddersfield-born Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King and Brisbane Broncos’ Ben Talty, to name a few.

But no Rhinos or Trinity players made the cut, with many missing out due to injuries or upcoming post-season operations.

Rhinos scrum-half Jake Connor’s shock omission from the squad caused strong reactions among readers, with some even losing hope in England’s chances at the tournament altogether.

“Oh, won’t be winning owt in OZ then,” said Debbie Anne, while Graeme Ellison added: “We will struggle to beat Samoa or the Kiwis, never mind the Australians.”

Karen Parkin said England will get “a drumming” without Connor.

She said: “For goodness sake, what more does Jake Connor have to do to be included? England will get a drumming!”

Dennis Richards added that the 31-year-old has improved his discipline “markedly”, saying: “Yes, Connor has mastered his ADHD tendencies far, far better than [Mikey] Lewis. Deserved his chance. Discipline has markedly improved.”

Wakefield Trinity won their first Super League title with a deserved win over Warrington Wolves at the weekend, with players including Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Jake Trueman and Tom Johnstone missing out because of injury or looming post-season operations.

Shell Fox described the team’s omission from the World Cup squad as “absolutely ridiculous”, saying: “I think it's absolutely ridiculous with how Wakey have played this season for not one to be named is an absolute joke.”

David Leach, on the other hand, doesn’t believe player choice matters much Down Under.

He said: “No one is beating the Aussies in their own backyard. If we coułd not win it on our own patch last time, we have no chance down under; them big Aussies will eat us up like it's a training run.”

Glyn Daniel added: “Same old same old story.”

England start their World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday, October 17, at 10.05am.