Hanley and Savala added to England performance squad ahead of Rugby League World Cup
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- Brian McDermott added Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters halfback Hugo Savala to England's performance squad ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, which takes place in Australia this autumn.
- Hanley was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2025 and has scored six tries with 10 try-assists across 12 games since returning from injury in May, with Leigh winning nine of those matches.
- Savala has scored eight tries in the NRL this season for the second-placed Sydney Roosters; the 24-year-old was born in Randwick but qualifies through his English-born mother.
- McDermott said there remained "plenty of opportunity for others to play their way into contention," calling the run-in "the most intensive and competitive phase of the season."
- England open their World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday October 17 at HBF Park in Perth, followed by France on October 24 and Papua New Guinea on October 30 in Wollongong.
- The original England Performance Group numbered 38 players; Hanley and Savala are the latest additions ahead of the final World Cup squad announcement.
Why it matters: Hanley and Savala both forced their way into contention through standout club form — Hanley's 2025 Dream Team selection and Savala's eight tries for the NRL's second-placed Roosters — giving McDermott two fresh options less than two months before England's October 17 opener against Tonga in Perth.
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