Tonga stuns England 30-12 in Rugby League World Cup opener in Perth

What happened

Tonga recorded their first-ever win over England, defeating them 30-12 in their opening pool clash at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Perth on Saturday night. Haumole Olakau'atu scored twice as Tonga repelled multiple waves of English attack and struck twice in quick succession midway through the second half to seize control. The victory avenges a two-point loss to England in the 2017 World Cup semifinal. England's World Cup hopes are now on the brink under the tournament's group stage system, which allows only two teams from pools B and C to progress to the semi-finals. England must defeat both France and Papua New Guinea in their remaining games and hope Tonga beats Samoa on 1 November. If Samoa defeat Tonga and England wins their remaining matches, both Samoa and England would finish on two wins, with Samoa holding a significant advantage in points difference after their 78-4 win over France.

Why it matters

New Zealand's Kiwis campaign began days before this match (they played Australia on 16 October), and Samoa's 78-4 crushing of France on 16 October signalled they were serious contenders. Tonga's upset victory over England now reshapes the tournament dynamics: Samoa's points difference from their rout of France gives them an advantage even if they lose their remaining games, affecting the path for other teams competing in the same pools.

Follow the whole thread: Kiwis 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign

Key facts

• Tonga defeated England 30-12 in Perth on Saturday
• Haumole Olakau'atu scored twice in the match
• 18,302 fans attended at HBF Park
• Samoa beat France 78-4 in their pool opener
• Only two teams from pools B and C progress to semi-finals

What happens next

Tonga face Lebanon and then Samoa in their final two pool games, with the Samoa match taking place on 1 November at a sold-out CommBank Stadium.

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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

Where the outlets differ

RNZ provides the fullest match detail and player reactions. 1News emphasises England's mathematical predicament and quotes coach Brian McDermott on the challenge ahead, while RNZ focuses on Tonga's historic achievement and quotes Tonga's players and coach. 1News flags a pectoral injury to Tonga's Latu Fainu that RNZ does not mention.

What outlets are saying