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England and Tonga meet in Perth in the biggest game of the first round outside the opener.
England and Tonga meet in Perth in the biggest game of the first round outside the opener. They are two of the strongest sides on the combined Pools B and C table, and the winner takes a big step towards finishing first and avoiding the Pool A winner in the semi-finals. England have won all six previous Tests, but three of the last four were decided by ten points or fewer.
Below are our tip and the reasoning, the full head to head, both squads and what is at stake. Every match is on our Rugby League World Cup hub.
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Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | Rugby League World Cup, Pools B and C, Round 1 |
| Date | Saturday 17 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:05pm AEDT (5:05pm AWST in Perth, 7:05pm AEST in Queensland) |
| Venue | HBF Park, Perth |
| Broadcast | Seven and 7plus, free-to-air |
| Coaches | Brian McDermott (England), Kristian Woolf (Tonga) |
| Captains | George Williams (England); Tonga to be confirmed |
England vs Tonga Tips & Prediction
Our pick: England to win. The record is one-sided. England have won all six Tests against Tonga, including the 2017 World Cup semi-final and all three Tests of a series in England in 2023. Tonga’s last year was also poor: they lost 34-6 to Samoa and 40-14 to New Zealand at the 2025 Pacific Cup.
It is closer than the record looks, though. England arrive under a new coach, Brian McDermott, after losing the 2025 Ashes 3-0 to Australia and scoring 18 points in three Tests. Tonga have a squad full of NRL forwards: Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake, Haumole Olakau’atu and Moeaki Fotuaika, with Isaiya Katoa at halfback. In 2024 Tonga beat New Zealand 25-24 in Auckland and pushed Australia to six points in the Pacific Cup final.
Best value: England by 1-12. Three of the last four meetings were decided by ten points or fewer, and the 2017 semi-final finished 20-18 after Tonga scored three late tries. We expect England’s kicking game and defence to get them home, but not comfortably.
England vs Tonga Head to Head
England have won all six Tests between the sides.
| Date | Result | Venue | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2023 | England 26-4 Tonga | Leeds | Third Test |
| October 2023 | England 14-4 Tonga | Huddersfield | Second Test |
| October 2023 | England 22-18 Tonga | St Helens | First Test |
| November 2017 | England 20-18 Tonga | Auckland | World Cup semi-final |
| November 2006 | England 32-14 Tonga | Widnes | Federation Shield final |
| October 2006 | England 40-18 Tonga | London | Federation Shield |
Recent form
England lost the 2025 Ashes 3-0 at home to Australia (26-6, 14-4, 30-8). In 2024 they beat Samoa twice (34-18, 34-16) and France 40-8. At the last World Cup they lost the semi-final 27-26 to Samoa in extra time.
Tonga lost both their 2025 Pacific Cup games, 34-6 to Samoa and 40-14 to New Zealand. In 2024 they beat New Zealand 25-24 in Auckland with a Katoa field goal, then lost the Pacific Cup final 20-14 to Australia. At the last World Cup they won all three group games and lost the quarter-final 20-18 to Samoa.
England Team News
Brian McDermott, appointed in April after Shaun Wane stepped down, named his 23 on 5 October with George Williams as captain. Five players are uncapped: Hugo Savala, Zach Eckersley, Max King, Ben Talty and Sam Walters. Victor Radley and Matty Ashton return after missing the Ashes. Jake Connor was left out, and injuries have ruled out Tom Johnstone, Mike McMeeken, Jake Wardle, Billy Smith and Mikolaj Oledzki among others.
Squad: George Williams (c), Matty Ashton, AJ Brimson, Ben Currie, Zach Eckersley, Herbie Farnworth, Ethan Havard, Max King, Morgan Knowles, Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, Junior Nsemba, Brad O’Neill, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley, Hugo Savala, Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies, Ben Talty, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Dom Young.
Tonga Team News
Kristian Woolf named 24 players on 6 October, with one to be cut before the tournament, and a captain has not been confirmed. Robert Toia and Jojo Fifita chose Tonga over Australia, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak switches from New Zealand, and Tyson Frizell, who has played World Cups for Wales and Australia, now plays for Tonga. Daniel Tupou was left out and Isaiah Iongi is injured.
Named squad (24): Paul Alamoti, Talatau Amone, Latu Fainu, Jojo Fifita, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Salesi Foketi, Addin Fonua-Blake, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tyson Frizell, Leka Halasima, Lehi Hopoate, Isaiya Katoa, Sione Katoa, Tolutau Koula, Tuimoala Lolohea, Soni Luke, Haumole Olakau’atu, Taniela Paseka, Jason Taumalolo, Robert Toia, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Siua Wong.
What Is at Stake
England are in Pool B and Tonga in Pool C, and the two pools share one table. The top two reach the semi-finals, and first place is the prize: it means the Pool A runner-up in Newcastle on 7 November rather than the Pool A winner, most likely Australia or New Zealand, in Sydney the next night.
| Team | Remaining games |
|---|---|
| England | France (Sat 24 Oct, Perth), Papua New Guinea (Fri 30 Oct, Wollongong) |
| Tonga | Lebanon (Fri 23 Oct, CommBank Stadium), Samoa (Sun 1 Nov, CommBank Stadium) |
England vs Tonga Betting Markets
- Head to head: the match winner, with golden point extra time if it is level after 80 minutes.
- Line: a points start for the underdog, usually the better market when the head-to-head price is short.
- Winning margin: bands such as 1-12 and 13+.
- Try scorers: first, last and anytime try scorer markets on both squads.
- Same game multi: a result, margin and try scorers in one bet. See our same game multi guide.
Compare prices across our best NRL betting sites, which all price the World Cup.
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18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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England vs Tonga FAQs
When is England vs Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup?
Saturday 17 October 2026 at HBF Park in Perth, kicking off at 8:05pm AEDT, which is 5:05pm in Perth.
Where can I watch England vs Tonga?
Live and free on Seven and 7plus in Australia.
Who will win England vs Tonga?
Our pick is England, who have won all six Tests against Tonga, with England by 1-12 as the value bet.
What is the England vs Tonga head to head?
England have won all six Tests, including the 2017 World Cup semi-final 20-18 and a 3-0 series in 2023.
More Rugby League World Cup Coverage
- Rugby League World Cup hub: schedule, ladder and tips
- Australia vs New Zealand tips
- Samoa vs France tips
- Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon tips
- Fiji vs Cook Islands tips
- NRL tips hub
- Women’s Rugby League World Cup
- Rugby League World Cup winners
- The final
- Results and ladder
- Schedule and TV guide
- Squads
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