{
  "id": 16717792,
  "title": "Litten and Knowles in for England as O'Neill drops out",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/litten-and-knowles-in-for-england-as-oneill-drops-out",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-27T06:31:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/crz65e9dng0wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hull KR's Jez Litten and Dolphins lock Morgan Knowles have been called into England's starting lineup for their crucial Men's Rugby League World Cup match against Papua New Guinea. Head coach Brian McDermott aims to secure a significant victory in their final Group B-C encounter on Friday to stay in contention for the semi-finals. Brad O'Neill, who was named the best player in Super League in 2026, is absent from the 19-player matchday squad due to his recent outstanding performance. Morgan Knowles replaces injured Hull KR prop Victor Radley, who exits the lineup.",
  "summary": "Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles are brought into the starting line-up for England's must-win Rugby League World Cup match against Papua New Guinea - with Brad O'Neill dropping out.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles named in England's starting lineup",
    "Brad O'Neill absent due to outstanding Super League performance",
    "Victor Radley replaced by Knowles due to injury"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Replacing the injured Radley with experienced forwards shifts England's defensive structure as they fight to maintain their semi-final hopes during this critical final group stage encounter.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}