Rugby League
Rugby League World Cup predictions: England can upset the odds against Tonga
England kickstart their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday and William Hill News predict the outcome.
England will be hoping to mend their 2021 heartbreak, having narrowly lost out to Samoa in the semi-finals on home soil. They came closest to winning in 2017 when losing 6-0 to Australia in the final and will be hoping to go one better than that this year.
They start their 2026 campaign with a tough fixture against Tonga, with Brian McDermott’s side the 6/5 underdogs heading into their tournament opener. Tonga are odds-on favourites at 4/6, with the draw priced at 14/1.
Kick off will be at 10:05 BST, with the game taking place in Perth, Australia, one of the three host nations alongside New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Let’s take a look at how the action could unfold on Australia’s West Coast.
Prediction
This looks like being a tightly contested opening fixture, as the odds suggest, which could tell the story of what’s to come for both sides in this year’s tournament.
Although England completed a whitewash of Tonga in their 2023 Test series, this fixture’s complexion has changed with Tonga going from strength to strength in the three years since.
That said, England still have a core group of players who know how to handle the occasion at World Cup level, while also blooding in some seriously talented and exciting young players.
Although the betting has them as underdogs, the occasion shouldn’t get to England and they can be taken to be winning at half-time and after 80 minutes.
Prediction: PRICE BOOST – England To Lead At Half Time & Win (80 Mins) – 5/2 (Was 2/1)
England
England head into Saturday’s clash with Tonga boasting a squad packed with talent, as head coach Brian McDermott’s side look to begin their campaign with an important victory.
Wigan Warriors pair Zach Eckersley and Sam Walters could make their international debuts after playing key roles in their club’s successful season, which delivered both the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield. Hugo Savala of the Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs forward Max King are also in contention for their first England appearances.
Captain George Williams and Harry Smith could prove decisive in the halves, combining creativity, tactical kicking and game management. Against a powerful Tonga outfit, England will need their key men to deliver if they are to secure a winning start and build early momentum.
Victor Radley brings valuable experience and intensity following his NRL Grand Final triumph, while Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth offers a major attacking threat with his ability to break defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.
Junior Nsemba and Man of Steel Brad O’Neill will also be looking to carry their impressive domestic performances onto the international stage.
Tonga
Tonga will provide a stern opening challenge for England, with head coach Kristian Woolf selecting a squad featuring several established NRL stars and players capable of making a major impact.
Haumole Olakau’atu and Rob Toia arrive with impressive credentials after earning places in the NRL Team of the Year. Both also featured in State of Origin this year alongside Tongan prop Addin Fonua-Blake. Toia enjoyed further success with the Sydney Roosters, helping them secure NRL Grand Final honours alongside international teammates Siua Wong and Salesi Foketi.
Jason Taumalolo and Tui Lolohea are the only survivors from Tonga’s narrow semi-final defeat to England at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Tyson Frizell offers further experience, having represented Australia in that tournament’s final before switching allegiance to Tonga in 2023.
Much of Tonga’s attacking threat could revolve around half-back Isaiya Katoa. Despite being just 22, he has developed into one of the competition’s leading playmakers since facing England as a teenager in 2023.
With quality throughout their ranks, Tonga have the firepower to make this a difficult first assignment for England.
*Prices accurate at the times of writing – odds subject to change*
