Tonga and Lebanon set for second Rugby League World Cup match

Tonga and Lebanon are scheduled to meet in their second group match at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup on Friday, October 23, at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, with Tonga seeking a second win and Lebanon aiming to recover from an opening defeat. Tonga beat England 30-12 in its first game, while Lebanon lost 42-18 to Papua New Guinea. The match is part of a combined six-team table spanning Groups B and C. A Tonga victory would strengthen the team’s position to qualify among the top two, according to pre-match coverage; the match result has not been established in the reports. Tonga will be without halfback Isaiya Katoa, who was ruled out with an ankle injury. Latu Fainu is named at halfback in his place. One report says Katoa is expected to return for Tonga’s final group match against Samoa. Captain Jason Taumalolo moves to lock, while Tyson Frizell is rested. Lebanon has promoted Moustafa Dirani to starting hooker in place of Yehya Ayache. The Cedars began the tournament with a 42-18 loss to Papua New Guinea and are seeking their first win. Lebanon reached the quarterfinals at the previous two World Cups, according to the team coverage. The match is scheduled to kick off at...