England’s preparations for their Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga have been marked by significant selection decisions from head coach Brian McDermott. In a move that has drawn attention, Mikey Lewis has been left out of the matchday squad entirely for the tournament's first game.

Furthermore, Jack Welsby, a key player often expected to feature prominently, has been relegated to the bench. These tactical choices indicate a specific strategic direction from McDermott as England looks to secure a strong start to their campaign. While the team composition is set, the decision to leave out Lewis and limit Welsby’s initial involvement highlights the competitive nature of the current squad selection process. The team will now look to execute this game plan on the field against a formidable Tongan side, with the coaching staff banking on the chosen starters to deliver the necessary performance to open the tournament with a win.