Tonga Upset England in Rugby League World Cup Opener

England entered the 2026 Rugby League World Cup hoping to start their Group B‑C campaign with a win over fifth‑ranked Tonga, but the Pacific island side produced a stunning 30‑12 victory in Perth. The match, played on 17 October, saw Tonga score four tries – two by Olakau‘atu, one each from Utoikamanu and Koula – and add three goals and four penalties from Isaiya Katoa. England’s points came from tries by Brimson and Young, with a conversion by Savala.

Four years after a heartbreaking loss to Samoa in the semi‑finals, England’s Australian‑based squad found themselves on the back foot from the start. The turning point arrived in the 22nd minute when Victor Radley knocked on after a powerful drive from Tonga captain Jason Taumalolo. The turnover led to a quick try for Stefano Utoikamanu, who sprinted past George Williams and Kai Pearce‑Paul after a precise inside pass from Katoa.

England’s first half was marred by a series of errors and a few controversial referee calls. Katoa converted two penalties after debatable infringements – one on Harry Smith for obstruction when Dallin Watene‑Zelezniak collided with him, and another when Herbie Farnworth slipped and clipped Watene‑Zelezniak near the break.

After the interval England seemed revitalised. A flowing move saw full‑back AJ Brimson cross the line for a try, set up by a strong run from Young that evaded two tacklers over 20 metres. Despite a surge of attacks, Tonga’s defence held firm. Haumole Olakau‘atu capitalised on a loose grubber kick that bounced behind the English line, and later Tolutau Koula powered over for a second try.

England’s late try by Young in the corner offered a glimmer of hope, but Katoa’s grubber kick again found a gap, allowing Olakau‘atu to score the fourth Tongan try. The final score left England needing to regroup quickly for upcoming matches against France and Papua New Guinea if they hope to finish in the top two of the combined six‑team group and reach the semi‑finals.

In the same group, co‑hosts Papua New Guinea beat Lebanon 42‑18. On the women’s side, England delivered a dominant performance against debutants Wales. Isaiya Katoa’s 14 points from the boot and his leadership on the field were highlighted as key factors in Tonga’s victory, adding a strategic edge to their previously powerful but less nuanced style of play.