Tonga beats England 30-12 in World Cup opener

England lost its opening match of the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup, falling 30-12 to Tonga in Perth on October 17. The defeat leaves England with a difficult route toward the semifinals under a format in which six teams across Pools B and C compete for two places in the last four. Tonga’s Isaiya Katoa was central to the win, contributing 14 points with the boot, according to the match account. England built pressure during much of the first half but went into the break trailing 10-0 after Tonga scored a try through Stefano Utoikamanu. Tonga playmaker Latu Fainu left injured during the first half, the report said. England narrowed the gap soon after halftime when Hugo Savala’s kick followed AJ Brimson’s try, bringing the score within four points. Tonga responded with three second-half tries, including two by Haumole Olakauatu, while Katoa’s kicking extended the lead. Dom Young scored England’s other try, but the side could not close the margin. The result reverses the momentum England hoped to build at the start of the tournament. Before the match, both sides were seeking a strong opening in a competition where the cross-pool structure gives the six teams in Pools B and C...