The half-back position has become a symbol of how far women's rugby league in England has progressed, with Stuart Barrow's squad boasting an embarrassment of riches in a role that once lacked depth.
Three world-class operators are vying for prominence as England prepare for their World Cup campaign. Jenna Foubister, the reigning Woman of Steel, will begin the tournament on the interchange bench. Alongside her at Wigan Warriors is Izzy Rowe, who will start in the halves for the opening fixture. Then there is Georgia Roche, a former Woman of Steel now plying her trade in Australia's elite women's competition, who has impressed consistently on the other side of the world.
This depth of talent represents a significant shift from four years ago, when the selection process was far more straightforward. Barrow has embraced the challenge, viewing it as evidence of the women's game's remarkable trajectory in England.
England's pool-stage campaign begins against Wales at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday 17 October, with kick-off at 7.35am. They will then face Australia on 24 October at HBF Park and Samoa on 30 October at WIN Stadium, Wollongong. The top two teams in Group A will advance to the semi-finals, with the World Cup final scheduled for 15 November at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Barrow's tactical approach
For the Wales opener, Barrow has opted to start with Rowe and Roche in the halves, keeping Foubister fresh on the bench. The decision reflects his belief that the "telepathic" partnership between Foubister and Rowe may prove crucial at some stage of the tournament, but that he cannot afford to omit one of the world's finest players from the starting lineup.
It is a massive moment for my career. It is the greatest honour to coach your country and to do it in a World Cup, I am really excited.Barrow told Sky Sports.
The selection process itself has been gruelling. Barrow submitted a 40-player squad on 2 September before trimming it to 23, a task he described as one of the most challenging of his career.
One of the toughest things I have ever experienced is picking this squad. We put a squad of 40 in on September 2, so to pick 23 from that was really tough. There was not a lot in it. Sleepless nights, difficult phone calls, but we are where we are now, and I'm sure we'll move forward and represent the whole group.
According to official Rugby League sources, England arrived in Perth ahead of the opener, with Barrow noting that the tournament had arrived quickly after months of preparation.
The growth of women's rugby league
Barrow emphasised how the competitive depth available to him now contrasts sharply with previous World Cup cycles.
It was about balance and the way we want to play and the opposition we will play out there. It is exciting as a coach. It is challenging, but it is exciting. I think if you go back four years ago, the squad almost picked itself. The growth of the women's game now shows that we have such an amazing talent pool coming through and a wider and deeper talent pool. We will deal with that, we have some ideas of what we will do and some different scenarios.
The squad includes six Wigan Warriors teammates alongside Foubister, underlining the strength of the domestic game. Additionally, three uncapped players are in line for senior international debuts: Sydney Roosters back-rower Jasmin Strange, Leeds Rhinos forward Connie Boyd and Canterbury Bulldogs prop Hope Millard. Strange has featured in four consecutive NRLW Grand Finals and won premierships with both the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters.
Fran Goldthorp, now with the North Queensland Cowboys, returns to England for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, where she scored three tries in four appearances. The tournament operates under NRLW rules, including four interchange players and an 18th player, giving coaches additional tactical flexibility.
Foubister's World Cup debut
Jenna Foubister is set to make her World Cup debut from the interchange bench. The Wigan star has scored in each of her first two senior internationals and made nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions in 2026, demonstrating her attacking threat.
Rowe's perspective
Izzy Rowe, who will start alongside Roche, is acutely aware that she faces competition for her shirt throughout the tournament. Yet she views the situation as a privilege, living out a childhood ambition while representing her country.
It is a massive dream come true. It is something I have wanted for a long time.Rowe told Sky Sports.
Going with eight of my team-mates is going to make the tournament a lot easier for me. I feel very comfortable around the girls, we know how each other works and plays. But even the girls who don't play at Wigan, we are really close. We have spoken about it together and being able to perform for your country together is a massive dream. We can't wait and hopefully we get that opportunity.
Rowe acknowledged the quality of her rivals, particularly Roche, whose performances in Australia's elite competition have marked her as one of England's finest half-backs.
Obviously Georgia [Roche] has played in the NRLW, Australia's elite women's rugby league competition, and she is a massive player in the team. You cannot argue that she is one of the best half-backs that England has got. I have watched Georgia since being a young kid and Jenna is my best mate so whoever plays, I am going to be so proud.
