Sam Walker Turns Down England as 38-Man Squad Named

sam walker turned down an approach to represent England, and he was left out when the 38-man preliminary squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup was named. England’s first group under Brian McDermott includes 11 NRL stars and sets the early frame for who is in contention before the final World Cup squad is picked.

McDermott’s first England group

Brian McDermott said he has been looking across Super League and the NRL for players who could fit England’s plans, and the new head coach named four new faces from the NRL: Ben Talty, Billy Smith, Jayden Brailey and Max King. He also included Caleb Hamlin-Uele, who was born in Auckland but qualifies for England through heritage.

“I’ve enjoyed the process of looking throughout Super League and the NRL for players who could potentially play for England in the 2026 World Cup,” McDermott said. “It is clear there is a raft of talent available at our disposal and it’s encouraging to see the sort of player who could be lining up for us in a few months’ time.”

Walker and the heritage route

Walker, the Queensland Maroons halfback, could technically have represented England at the end of the year, along with dummy-half Blayke Brailey. His decision removes one of the more prominent NRL-linked options from England’s heritage pool before the tournament.

Ethan Strange also ruled himself out of England’s plans after saying earlier this year, “I’ve grown up in Australia. My mum’s from England, grandma’s from New Zealand, but I’ve grown up in Australia, and I’m Aussie.” He wants to represent the Australian Kangaroos instead.

Tonga opens England’s path

England’s preliminary squad still leaves room for movement before the World Cup squad is announced, with McDermott saying players can still play their way into contention. For now, the omission of Walker and the decision from Strange narrow the list of high-profile NRL names available to England as preparations build toward the opening game against Tonga.