Rugby League World Cup: Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala added to England performance squad by Brian McDermott

England head coach Brian McDermott has added Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters halfback Hugo Savala to his performance squad ahead of the Rugby League World Cup this autumn.

Hanley, who was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2025, has impressed for the Leopards since returning from injury in May scoring six tries and providing 10 try-assists with Leigh winning nine of the 12 games he has featured in.

Savala has earned plenty of plaudits from his performances in the NRL this season with his Roosters side sitting second. The 24-year-old has crossed for eight tries.

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A product of the Roosters system, Savala was born in the Sydney suburb of Randwick and is eligible through his English-born mother.

McDermott said: "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.

"We are entering the most intensive and competitive phase of the season, and the opportunity remains for a player to force his way into the reckoning. It's all to play for as regards the last few regular fixtures and finals."

England Men will kick off their World Cup campaign in less than two months' time against Tonga on Saturday October 17 at HBF Park, Perth before facing France in Perth on October 24 and rounding out the Group Stage against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday October 30.

England Performance Programme Group:

Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley (all Wigan Warriors), Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Jake Connor (all Leeds Rhinos), Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, Matty Ashton (all Warrington Wolves), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis (all Hull KR), Morgan Smithies, Jayden Brailey (both Canberra Raiders), Victor Radley, Billy Smith, Hugo Salava (all Sydney Roosters), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson (all St Helens), Morgan Knowles, Herbie Farnworth (both Dolphins), Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone (all Wakefield), Max King (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Dominic Young (Newcastle Knights), Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards).

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Rugby League World Cup: Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala added to England performance squad by Brian McDermott