Wakefield Trinity have had four players called into the 38-Man England Performance Programme.
This is the first programme since Brian McDermott took over the reins of the nation in April as we head towards this year’s World Cup.
Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone retain their places in the England set up after appearing in all three Ashes tests against Australia last winter. Both have been regulars for the national side for the past couple of years.
They are joined in the 38-man pool of players by team mates Jake Trueman and Caleb Hamlin-Uele.
Trueman has previously been included in the 2019 Great Britain Lions tour but has never pulled on the red and white of England outside of a Rugby League 9s World Cup. His start to 2026 has seen him rack up 16 try assists and 34 tackles busts while appearing in every Betfred Super League game so far.
Hamlin-Uele has been one of the most in-form middles in Super League since his first game in the league at the start of 2025. The destructive forward has collected over 1,500 metres so far in 2026 cementing his place as part of the sports elite on these shores.
Wakefield Trinity Director of Rugby, Ste Mills said: “We are extremely proud as a club to have four players included in England’s 38-man performance programme.
The continued performances of Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone have made them England regulars and it’s great to see them remain in contention following the Ashes series.
We always knew that Jake Trueman had the ability to be an international half back and his start to 2026 has been nothing short of superb. His call up recognises the hard work and dedication that Jake has been putting in since joining Wakefield.
Caleb has been one of the most in-form front rowers since taking the step up to Super League and his inclusion is definitely well earned. As a nation we’re looking to match up with the tough southern hemisphere sides and having someone like Caleb involved is an absolute no brainer.”
England Head Coach, Brian McDermott said: “I’ve enjoyed the process of looking throughout the Super League and the NRL for players who could potentially play for England in the 2026 World Cup.
“It is clear there is a raft of talent available at our disposal and it’s encouraging to see the sort of player who could be lining up for us in a few months’ time.
“As well as plenty of seasoned Test players who we all know about, there are some new faces on the international scene, including Jake Trueman, Dean Hadley and Zach Eckersley.
“They have all earned places on the programme for their consistent excellence in Super League.
“Caleb Hamlin-Uele, who was born in Auckland but qualifies for England through heritage, is another who ticks that box.
“From the NRL, there’s further players who I have seen first-hand who are performing well and who have expressed a desire to represent England via the heritage rule: Max King, Jayden Brailey, Billy Smith and Ben Talty.
“It’s an exciting time as we continue our preparations and build-up towards the opening game against Tonga.
“Obviously, this is still just the first group of players we’ve selected: there is still plenty of opportunity for others to play their way into contention before the World Cup squad is announced.”
England’s World Cup campaign kicks off versus Tonga in Perth on October 17.
England 38-man performance programme group: Nsemba, Havard, Thompson, Walters, O’Neill, Wardle, H Smith, Eckersley (all Wigan Warriors), Watkins, Oledzki, Handley, Connor (all Leeds Rhinos), Currie, Walker, Williams, Ashton (all Warrington Wolves), Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Hadley, Litten, Lewis (all Hull KR), Smithies, J Brailey (both Canberra Raiders), Radley, B Smith (both Sydney Roosters), Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Welsby, Walmsley, Clark, Robertson (all St Helens), Knowles, Farnworth (both Dolphins), McMeeken, Hamlin-Uele, Trueman, Johnstone (all Wakefield), King (Canterbury Bulldogs), Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Young (Newcastle Knights).