Super League stars set for World Cup stage

The 2026 Betfred Super League season has been packed with memorable moments.

From Wakefield Trinity's historic Grand Final triumph to Wigan Warriors lifting their sixth League Leaders' Shield, and the newly promoted clubs making their mark on the competition, it has been a record-breaking campaign where league has hit different.

But with the domestic season now complete, attention swiftly turns to the international game and the fast-approaching 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

England boss Brian McDermott confirmed his 23-man squad on Monday, with a host of Super League stars selected to represent their country.

Grand Final runners-up Warrington Wolves are represented by Matty Ashton, Ben Currie and George Williams, with Williams once again entrusted with leading England into a major tournament, as McDermott previously confirmed his captaincy.

League Leaders' Shield winners Wigan Warriors boast the largest club contingent, providing seven players. Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Brad O'Neill and Dream Team winger Zach Eckersley are included, alongside Harry Smith and forwards Ethan Havard, Junior Nsemba, Luke Thompson and Sam Walters.

Along Eckersley, Walters is one of five uncapped players who will hope to make their England debut this autumn.

Hull KR pair Jez Litten and magic Mikey Lewis, along with St Helens full-back Jack Welsby, complete the Super League contingent for England after all featuring in last year's Ashes series.

Elsewhere, several other Super League stars have also earned international call-ups ahead of the tournament.

The Cook Islands team sees dynamic Toulouse Olympique duo Paul Ulberg and Reubenn Rennie called up, as well as Esan Marsters from Bradford Bulls. Mason Teague, who has penned a deal with champions Trinity for next season, has also been selected.

France's squad includes strong representation from both French clubs, Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique. The Dragons provide six players, including captain Ben Garcia, who will bow out from the sport at the conclusion of the World Cup.

Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, Léo Darrélatour, Julian Bousquet, Romain Navarrete and Alrix Da Costa also make the squad.

Toulouse have eight representatives selected following an impressive return season in the top flight, with Benjamin Laguerre, César Rougé, Thomas Lacans, Lambert Belmas, Tiaki Chan, Louis Grossemy, Mathieu Jussaume and Roméo Tropis all included.

Elsewhere in the French ranks, Hull FC duo Amir Bourouh and Arthur Romano have earned selection, while Hull KR pair Arthur Mourgue and Jordan Dezaria are joined by Huddersfield Giants forward Mathieu Cozza.

Three players from West Yorkshire clubs have been named in Fiji's squad, with Waqa Blake (Bradford Bulls), Taane Milne (Huddersfield Giants) and Semi Valemei (Castleford Tigers) all selected. The Wolves' new recruit Mitchell Prest also features. He will join Sam Burgess' side in 2027.

Papua New Guinea will once again look to a number of familiar Super League faces. Leigh Leopards duo Edwin Ipape and Liam Horne have both been selected, while retiring Robins star Rhyse Martin will captain the Kumuls before bringing an outstanding playing career to a close. St Helens centre Nene Macdonald is also included after previously featuring at both full-back and centre for his country.

Fresh from helping Wakefield Trinity secure Grand Final glory at Old Trafford, Jazz Tevaga will represent Samoa. The formidable loose forward capped off Trinity's famous victory with a try at the Theatre of Dreams and will now look to carry that momentum onto the international stage.

Tui Lolohea has once again been named in Tonga's squad, with the experienced playmaker remaining a key figure for Kristian Woolf's side heading into the tournament.

Australia and New Zealand have also announced their teams, while the Lebanon squad is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, potentially adding even more Super League representation to the World Cup.

With players from across the competition set to represent their nations, Super League talent will once again be seen on rugby league's biggest international stage.

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Thursday 15 October with current World Cup Champions Australia facing New Zealand.

England’s 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign kicks off in Perth on Saturday 17 October against Tonga. Make sure you their World Cup journey across England RL digital channels, YouTube, Website and the Our League app.