Tonga Beat England 30-12 in Rugby League World Cup Opener

Tonga beat England 30-12 in Perth on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in their opening match of the Rugby League World Cup. Tonga led 10-0 at half time and scored four tries to two, a result that puts England's campaign in trouble on the first weekend of the tournament.

England came into the match ranked third in the world, with Tonga ranked fifth. That gap never showed. Brian McDermott's first match as England head coach ended in a heavy defeat, driven from start to finish by Tonga half-back Isaiya Katoa and a forward pack that won the physical battle in front of a loud, pro-Tonga crowd in Perth.

Katoa takes control

The turning point came on 22 minutes. England pressed close to the Tonga line, but Victor Radley knocked on after a huge hit from Tonga captain Jason Taumalolo. Two minutes later Tonga scored. Stefano Utoikamanu ran through a gap after a fine inside pass from Katoa cut out George Williams and Kai Pearce-Paul.

Katoa kicked three goals in the first half, Sky Sports reported, as penalties hurt England. Harry Smith was penalised for obstruction when Dallin Watene-Zelezniak ran into him, and Herbie Farnworth gave away another penalty just before half time when he tripped Watene-Zelezniak off the ball. England made error after error and wasted the few chances they built, and they reached the break without a point.

England rally, then Tonga finish it

England came back out with more energy. Full-back AJ Brimson scored their first try after a driving run from Dom Young, who held off two tacklers over 20 metres to set up the score. Hugo Savala converted, and England were back in the match at 10-6.

Tonga answered at once. Haumole Olakau'atu pounced for a try after his own grubber kick was knocked on behind the England line. Tolutau Koula then drove over, and another Katoa penalty left England trailing 24-6 with 19 minutes left.

Young scored in the corner in the 63rd minute to give England late hope, and Savala converted again. But Katoa had the last word. His grubber kick found gaps in the England defence and Olakau'atu touched down for his second try. Katoa finished with 14 points from his kicking, on top of the tries he created.

What it means

Four years ago, Samoa shocked England in a World Cup semi-final. Now another Pacific side has beaten them, and this time it has happened in the first group match. England still have group games against France and Papua New Guinea to come. They need a top-two finish in the combined six-team group table to reach the semi-finals, so there is no room for another defeat like this one.

England face France in Perth next Saturday. McDermott has a week to fix the errors, the discipline and the attack. Tonga, on this form, will take some stopping.