NRL

Sydney Roosters centre Hugo Savala is set to join team-mates Victor Radley and Billy Smith in the England lineup for Rugby League World Cup 2026.

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Savala has been added to England’s pre-World Cup performance squad as new head coach Brian McDermott continues preparations for the tournament which begins in less than two months.

Like both Radley and Smith before him, Savala was born and raised in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, where he also played his junior footy for the Coogee Wombats.

The 24-year-old qualifies for selection through his English mother.

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Savala becomes the latest NRL player to be included in the extended England squad alongside Radley, Smith, Herbie Farnworth, Dom Young, Morgan Knowles, Morgan Smithies, AJ Brimson, Kai Pearce-Paul, Max King, Jayden Brailey and Ben Talty.

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A versatile back who can play in both the centres or halves, Savala’s addition is a major boost for England’s hopes of progressing deep into the tournament.

A former NRL assistant coach with the Knights and Titans, Brian McDermott has made no secret of his intention to pick the best possible England-eligible players for the World Cup, regardless of their heritage or where they play their club football.

Savala may not be the last Australian star to be called up with Rabbitohs playmaker Jamie Humphreys also understood to be exploring his English eligibility in time for World Cup selection.

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