Connor left out as England name Rugby League World Cup squad, Lewis picked instead
England head coach Brian McDermott has chosen Hull KR's Mikey Lewis over Leeds Rhinos' Jake Connor as a half-back for the Rugby League World Cup squad, despite Connor's standout domestic season.
England have announced their Rugby League World Cup squad, and one of the notable decisions is the exclusion of Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor.
The 31-year-old was named Super League's Man of Steel this year and finished the recently completed domestic season with more assists — 43 — than any other player in the competition. Head coach Brian McDermott had previously spoken highly of Connor, and many expected him to be a near-certain inclusion in the final squad.
Instead, McDermott opted for Hull KR's Mikey Lewis, who had a less consistent campaign, as one of England's half-back options. Lewis joins captain George Williams of Warrington and Wigan's Harry Smith in that role for the tournament.
This marks the second consecutive setback for Connor with the national team, following his contentious exclusion from last autumn's home series against Australia.
Full squad
England's World Cup squad also includes Matty Ashton, AJ Brimson, Ben Currie, Zach Eckersley, Herbie Farnworth, Ethan Havard, Max King, Morgan Knowles, Jez Litten, Junior Nsemba, Brad O'Neill, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley, Hugo Savala, Morgan Smithies, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Ben Talty, Jack Welsby and Dom Young.
