England may have found their halfback for the upcoming World Cup after South Sydney's Jamie Humphreys confirmed his eligibility to play for the 'Old Dart'.
Then again, after the year the Rabbitohs playmaker has had in the NRL, he could slot in for new England coach Brian McDermott in a variety of positions - having played lock and hooker as well as No.7 for the Rabbitohs.
On the eve of his first NRL finals series, Humphreys revealed he had completed an application to ensure he can play for England at Rugby League World Cup 2026 - and beyond.
Jamie Humphreys Field Goal
The 24-year-old spent the first years of his childhood in England and returned in his early teens when his father, former Manly and Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys, had work there.
He attended high school in London for five years and played rugby league for the Elmbridge Eagles before joining the London Broncos’ academy system.
The Rabbitohs utility has maintained a strong desire to play for England at international level and was only prevented from rejoining London Broncos in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
“I’ve been going through the process and I am now eligible to play for England if they want me,” Humphreys told NRL.com.
“If I was lucky enough to get picked I’d be super-excited to get to represent where I lived for such a long time, especially coming from London.
It’s not that big a rugby league town in England, hopefully if I get to represent all those kids who love league but are living in London.
“It will show them there’s a pathway to make it in this sport. I know a few of them might think the NRL is too far away and too big a dream but it’s not and it doesn’t have to be.
“Put in the work and see where that can take you.”
After just 34 NRL games with Manly and Souths, Humphreys will be playing in his first NRL Finals series after the Rabbitohs finished sixth on the ladder at the completion of the 27-round club competition.
If he is selected in England's 23-man squad, Humphreys will be surrounded by experienced NRL heads, including Victor Radley (Roosters), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), AJ Brimson (Titans), Dom Young (Knights), Morgan Smithies (Raiders) and Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers) to name a few.
Humphreys came through the junior ranks with Pearce-Paul in London and the pair have remained close friends.
"You don't really hear about London boys playing rugby league in general, let alone making it to the Super League or the NRL," Pearce-Paul told NRL.com.
"Jamie and I came through the system together at London Broncos, so it is cool that we are now both playing in the NRL."
England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in Perth against Tonga on Saturday October 17 and France on October 24 before travelling to Wollongong to meet Papua New Guinea on October 30.
With head-to-head results to determine semi-final positions if two teams are level on the ladder at the completion of the group stages, every match is a must win for both teams.
Match: England v Papua New Guinea
Round 3 -
home Team
England
away Team
Papua New Guinea
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
