England coach explains Wakefield omissions as revealing admission made on Super League champions

England head coach Brian McDermott confirmed that Wakefield Trinity players were omitted from his 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad due to injury-related withdrawals rather than selection issues. Stars Mike McMeeken, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, and Caleb Hamlin-Uele were all under consideration following Wakefield's Super League Grand Final victory over Warrington Wolves, but each required post-season operations.

McDermott revealed he finalized the squad just hours prior to Monday's announcement following updates on player fitness from the Super League and NRL Grand Finals. England will kick off their World Cup tournament against Tonga on October 17 without the Wakefield quartet.