Brian McDermott explains Mikey Lewis England decision as head coach makes World Cup vow

England head coach Brian McDermott has backed George Williams and Harry Smith to start in the halves against Tonga - but insists Hull KR star Mikey Lewis will get his chance at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Lewis was a surprise inclusion in McDermott’s 23-man squad for the tournament Down Under, edging out Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor for a place in the travelling party.

But the maverick half-back will have to bide his time, with England captain Williams and Wigan Warriors commander Smith handed the starting roles for England’s tournament opener against Tonga in Perth on Saturday.

The pair have built a strong international partnership over several years, and McDermott has opted to stick with the tried-and-tested combination - while promising Lewis will get his opportunity before the tournament is over.

“The most obvious reason is Harry is a seven and Mikey is a six, more than he is a generic half,” McDermott explained.

“Harry is a good controlling seven and he will co-ordinate the team around the park. But Mikey will bide his time and he will get a shot at some stage during the tournament, I’m sure.”

England face France and Papua New Guinea after their clash with Tonga, giving Lewis further opportunities to force his way into the reckoning as he looks to add to his eight international caps.

And McDermott believes the 2024 Super League Man of Steel’s aggressive style could prove a major asset as England look to make their mark on the tournament.

“With the way we’re going to play and the way I envisage us to play, it suits Mikey Lewis’ game,” McDermott added.

“I don’t think me picking Harry Smith at seven or George at six would particularly raise eyebrows. Mikey is on board with us and he knows the position he’s in.

“He’s got more than enough humility to add to the group. If he’s not in the 13 running on the field, he knows there’s a role to play throughout the week.”

McDermott also revealed that selecting his starting full-back was a “really close” call, with Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson getting the nod ahead of Jack Welsby.

Welsby has established himself as a proven performer on the international stage, but Brimson will get the chance to impress against Kristian Woolf’s Tonga, having made his England debut last year during the Ashes series.

“It was really close,” McDermott said.

“You just recognise that some people are really good players, even if they’re having a tough season, which Jack has had at St Helens.

“That has a bearing on team selection but not much, because I know Jack is a fantastic international player.

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