England vs Papua New Guinea Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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England must win and win by a huge margin against Papua New Guinea to give themselves a chance of making the semi-finals.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
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England team news: Knowles boost
After missing England’s last two pool games through injury, Morgan Knowles has been passed fit to play here is what is a massive boost for head coach Brian McDermott. Jez Litten also comes into the team, with Brad O’Neill left in the reserves.
Squad: AJ Brimson, Dominic Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Matty Ashton, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Knowles, Mikey Lewis, Sam Walters, Ethan Havard, Victor Radley, Ben Currie, Jack Welsby, Brad O'Neill, Zach Eckersley, Kallum Watkins
Papua New Guinea team news: Moretti makes it
Luca Moretti missed Papua New Guinea’s defeat at the hands of Samoa last time out, but is back for this one. Jack de Belin however, is absent with a rib issue and will be replaced by Liam Horne.
Squad: Zac Laybutt, Robert Derby, Josh Feledy, Nene Macdonald, Dudley Dotoi, Gairo Voro, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Epel Kapinias, Edwin Ipape, Luca Moretti, Rhyse Martin, Nixon Putt, Liam Horne, Finley Glare, Jacob Taulani, Robert Mathias, Sanny Wabo, Valentine Richard, Zev John, Morea Morea, Rodrick Tai, Alex Max
Will England qualify for the semi-finals?
Open poll and resultsEngland vs Papua New Guinea prediction
England are in last chance saloon territory and all they can do is win this game by as big a margin as possible, before hoping that Tonga can do them a favour against Samoa at the weekend. Brian McDermott’s side responded well to defeat in their opening Pool match by taking apart France in a resounding 82-0 victory. Dominic Young registered three tries, while fellow NRL player Herbie Farnworth bagged a hat-trick of his own, and both could have significant roles to play again this time around.
Papua New Guinea were brought back down to earth with a bang after their win over Lebanon, losing 6-64 against Samoa to leave themselves on the brink of elimination and also needing to win this match. England are a much stronger team though, especially when it comes to their attack and if McDermott’s men replicate what we saw from them against France, expect another big win for them, especially with Morgan Knowles back in the fold.
England vs Papua New Guinea tip: England to win with -36.5 handicap
