England have named Harry Smith alongside captain George Williams to fill the half-back roles for their 2026 Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga, with Mikey Lewis omitted from the side.
The selection confirms Smith as one half of England's playmaking combination as they begin their campaign in the tournament. Williams will lead the side both as captain and as the other half-back, a role that places him at the centre of England's attacking structure.
Mikey Lewis, who had been in contention for a place in the team's spine, has been left out of the matchday group for the opener. The omission means Lewis will not be part of England's initial on-field plans against Tonga.
The choice of Smith and Williams as the starting half-backs sets the tactical foundation for England's first game of the competition. With the World Cup now under way for the national side, attention will fall on how the selected partnership performs in the early stages of the tournament.