Six NRL players have been selected in England’s 24-man squad for the upcoming Rugby League Ashes Series against Australia - but there’s no room for Super League’s best player.
Leeds Rhinos halfback Jake Connor, who won the 2025 Man of Steel award, has been sensationally left out of the squad despite leading Leeds to a top-four finish this season.
England coach Shaun Wane instead opted for Mikey Lewis, Harry Smith and George Williams as his playmaking options for the three-Test series.
It’s a major talking point as the Ashes return for the first time in 22 years.
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Wane dismisses Man of Steel relevance
Wane was unapologetic about his decision and said awards played no role in his selections.
“When I’m picking a squad, the thing you will never hear from me is ‘he’s won the Man of Steel, he needs to be in’,” Wane told Sky Sports.
“I don’t even know who picked the Man of Steel, I don’t know what goes into it. The Dream Team - I don’t even know who’s in the Dream Team.
“That never comes into my reckoning. I just watch the players play and think who can do a fantastic job against Australia.”
Wane said he spoke to Connor directly but ultimately preferred others based on recent form.
“We had a good chat, he’s a really good lad and I’ve got lots of time for him,” he said.
“But there are other players who’ve missed out too. I don’t see the obsession with the Man of Steel - it just doesn’t mean anything to me.”
Six NRL players earn call-up
A quarter of England’s squad hail from the NRL, including John Bateman, AJ Brimson, Herbie Farnworth, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Smithies and Dom Young.
Brimson, who previously represented Queensland in State of Origin, has switched his allegiance to England through his mother’s heritage after approval from the International Rugby League tribunal.
England’s Ashes campaign marks their first clash with Australia since 2003, with the Kangaroos holding the Ashes since 1973.