Connor Shockingly Left Out of England Rugby League World Cup Squad

England head coach Brian McDermott has explained his decision to omit Hull KR's Jake Connor from the Rugby League World Cup squad, stating that the selected players are better equipped to execute his game plan against top international competition. This marks the second consecutive year Connor, a former Man of Steel winner, has been overlooked for major international duty.

The squad announcement has also drawn attention for its exclusion of any players from the newly crowned Super League champions, Wakefield. McDermott emphasized that the selections were based on who could best adhere to the team's strategy, particularly in the face of formidable opponents. This decision comes after England's previous 3-0 Ashes series defeat, which was characterized by limited attacking performances.