Story perspectives

England kicks off Rugby League World Cup vs Tonga in 2026

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 3:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

England opens its Rugby League World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on 17 October 2026.
New head coach Brian McDermott promises a more mobile playing style for England.
Captain George Williams says England will employ unseen tactics against Tonga.
Tonga, coached by Kristian Woolf, fields Dally M stars Haumole Olakau’atu, Robert Toia and veteran Jason Taumalolo.
England has won all six previous meetings with Tonga, the closest a 20-18 semi-final win in 2017.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 Rugby League World Cup, hosted by England and Wales, concluded with Australia defeating Great Britain 16-8 in the final. The tournament featured ten nations, attracted a record 66,000 spectators at Old Trafford, and prompted the International Board to expand global participation. Today's England squad, led by coach Brian McDermott and captain George Williams, mirrors that era’s strategic overhaul as they confront Tonga’s Kristian Woolf-coached side featuring Dally M stars Haumole Olakau’atu, Robert Toia, and Jason Taumalolo. The 1995 precedent shows that tactical innovation can reshape dominance, suggesting England’s new mobile approach may redefine future World Cup power balances.

1 of 2

Story summary

England opens its Rugby League World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on 17 October 2026.
New head coach Brian McDermott promises a more mobile playing style for England.
Captain George Williams says England will employ unseen tactics against Tonga.
Tonga, coached by Kristian Woolf, fields Dally M stars Haumole Olakau’atu, Robert Toia and veteran Jason Taumalolo.
England has won all six previous meetings with Tonga, the closest a 20-18 semi-final win in 2017.

1 / 2