Tonga vs Lebanon Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
Updated
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Following a pivotal victory against England, Tonga can move into the top two of their group at least temporarily with a win over Lebanon.
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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Tonga team news: Fainu concern
After being forced off the field early during Tonga’s match against England, Tonga waits anxiously on the status of Latu Fainu, who is on the interchange. Meanwhile, Tyson Frizell has been rested.
Squad: Lehi Hopoate, Sione Katoa, Tolutau Koula, Paul Alamoti, Jojo Fifita, Tuimoala Lolohea, Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Salesi Foketi, Stefano Utoikamanu, Haumole Olakau'atu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Jason Taumalolo, Soni Luke, Taniela Paseka, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Latu Fainu, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Talatau Amone, Robert Toia, Siua Wong
Lebanon team news: One sole change
Lebanon have made only one switch to the team named for their first pool stage match against Papua New Guinea, that being the addition of Moustafa Dirani to the starting line-up in place of Yehya Ayache.
Squad: Jacob Kiraz, Tony Francis, Michael Gabrael, Jordan Samrani, Jason Saab, Khaled Rajab, Alex Conti, Jaxson Rahme, Moustafa Dirani, James Roumanos, Tony Sukkar, Mikael Ibrahim, Alex Twal, Yehya Ayache, Tupou Francis, Jalal Bazzaz, Khalil Rahme, Joseph Nohra, Abbas Miski, Ibrahim El Labban, Mohamed Alameddine, Cameron Kanaan
How many tries will Tonga score in this game?
Open poll and resultsTonga vs Lebanon prediction
When Tonga and England locked horns, it effectively felt like a knockout game, with the loser facing a mountain to climb if they are to reach the semi-finals. Tonga rose to the occasion with a brilliant performance on both sides of the ball, overwhelming England with their power and aggression. If they replicate those high-performance levels against Lebanon, then this could turn very ugly, very quickly for the latter.
Lebanon’s heavy 42-18 loss to Papua New Guinea suggests that they are very much out of their depth when taking on any opponent that isn’t France in this tournament. Tonga will be expected to make it two wins from two with a resounding triumph over the Cedars, so back them via heavy use of the handicap market.
Tonga vs Lebanon tip: Tonga to win with -46.5 handicap
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