England vs Tonga Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
One of the most anticipated matches in the opening round of the pool stage sees England take on Tonga.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets
England team news: Smithies ruled out late
England have been dealt a big blow in the build-up to the tournament, with Morgan Smithies having picked up an injury in training which has ruled him out of the World Cup. He is replaced in the squad by Leeds Rhinos’ Kallum Watkins, whilst Mikey Lewis of Hull KR misses out on the team to face Tonga in favour of Harry Smith.
Squad: AJ Brimson, Dominic Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O'Neill, Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley, Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton, Ben Currie, Mikey Lewis, Ben Talty, Kallum Watkins
Tonga team news: Plenty of NRL pros
Kristian Woolf’s Tonga’s squad is packed full of quality, Haumole Olakau’atu being one such big name and Rob Toia another, the latter having just one this year’s NRL grand final with Sydney Roosters. Dolphins’ Isaiya Katoa is another name to watch, having played under Woolf all season.
Squad: Lehi Hopoate, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tolutau Koula, Robert Toia, Jojo Fifita, Latu Fainu, Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Soni Luke, Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau'atu, Siua Wong, Tyson Frizell, Salesi Foketi, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Tuimoala Lolohea, Paul Alamoti, Taniela Paseka, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Sione Katoa
Who will win this pool match?
Open poll and resultsEngland vs Tonga prediction
A hard-fought encounter and an excellent advertisement for Rugby League should be deck in Perth between these two nations. Tonga have struggled against England in previous matches, the latter having won out comprehensively in a three-game test series back in 2023. But that gets thrown out of the window here, as Brian McDermott’s England try to get off to winning start in their pool.
This English team is mainly filled with the best Super League has to offer, but Kristian Woolf will be familiar with them following his time as St. Helens head coach, so expect Tonga to be very well-drilled on what to expect. Early on the tournament, it can take time for teams to settle in and gel effectively, which makes this contest even more of a wildcard. Tonga will no doubt play like the warriors they are, with so much class and NRL experience and a quality coach in Woolf.
In the end though, the value move lies with backing England. McDermott’s men have got a big point to prove here and can battle with the very best of them. As slight outsiders, take the value and back England to topple the Tongans.
England vs Tonga tip: England to win
