ENGLAND have added Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters halfback Hugo Savala to their performance squad ahead of the World Cup.
Hanley, 23, has been one of the form outside backs in Super League over the past two seasons, while Australia-born Savala is a new name on the England radar.
A 24-year-old who is also capable of playing at centre, Savala only made his NRL debut at the beginning of last year but has been a regular for the title-chasing Roosters, and is eligible for Brian McDermott’s side through his England-born mother.
The additions take the England performance squad, launched in June after McDermott’s appointment two months prior, up to 40 players, which will need to be whittled down to 24 ahead of the tournament.
It means there is still no place for Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman, Hull KR winger Joe Burgess or North Queensland Cowboys backrower John Bateman, although the coach insists other players could still come into consideration.
“When we announced the 38 players originally selected for the England performance group we made it clear there was still plenty of opportunity for others to play their way into contention before the World Cup squad is announced,” said McDermott.
“Umyla and Hugo have done just that with their excellent form for Leigh Leopards and Sydney Roosters.
“We are entering the most intensive and competitive phase of the season, and the opportunity remains for a player to force his way into the reckoning. It’s all to play for as regards the last few regular fixtures and finals.”
When McDermott was appointed to succeed Shaun Wane as England coach, he declared his willingness to pick any heritage players who could help the side compete at the World Cup, and Savala’s inclusion is just the latest example.
As well as existing internationals in Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley and Gold Coast Titans livewire AJ Brimson, McDermott selected four other players born in the southern hemisphere when naming the performance squad two months ago.
They were Canberra Raiders hooker Jayden Brailey, Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith, Brisbane Broncos prop Ben Talty, and Caleb Hamlin-Uele, the front-rower who currently plays in England for Wakefield Trinity.
South Sydney Rabbitohs playmaker Jamie Humphreys is also said to be trying to prove his England eligibility in time for the World Cup, which they begin with a clash against Tonga in Perth on Saturday, October 17.