Tonga Stuns England in Rugby League World Cup
Isaiya Katoa scored 14 points as Tonga’s defensive masterclass left England on the brink of elimination.
- On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Tonga defeated England 30-12 in their opening match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Perth, marking the Pacific nation's first-ever victory over England in tournament history.
- England's semi-final hopes are on life support due to the tournament's unusual format, which excludes quarter-finals and advances only two teams from the combined Pools B and C.
- Tonga playmaker Isaiya Katoa masterminded the victory, contributing 14 points with the boot while maintaining a defensive masterclass that yielded a 10-0 halftime lead.
- England head coach Brian McDermott called the defeat a wake-up call, stating, "You cannot play with freedom at international level, you have to keep hold of the ball."
- Tonga travels to Sydney on October 23 to face Lebanon while England must defeat France and Papua New Guinea to advance, requiring Samoa's upset of Tonga on November 1.
39 Articles
39 Articles
England Rugby League World Cup hopes hang by a thread
England were stunned 30-12 by Tonga in Perth on Saturday even though the Pacific islanders lost star halfback Latu Fainu to a pectoral muscle injury early. They now face an uphill battle to make the semis, with only two of the six nations across Pools B and C in the 10-team tournament progressing to the final four. England have reached the penultimate stage all seven times they have competed before as a separate entity, as opposed to Great Brita…
Gritty Tonga overwhelm England 30-12 at Rugby League World Cup
PERTH: Haumole Olakau’atu scored a brace as Tonga stifled England to record a 30-12 victory in a gruelling Rugby League World Cup clash on Saturday in Perth. Tonga ran in four tries to two in front of 18,302 fans, most of whom were supporting them. After both defenses held firm in a physical opening 25 minutes, Stefano Utoikamanu dotted down for the only try of the first-half. Leading 10-0 at the interval, Tonga had to resist an England fightbac…
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