England faces Tonga in World Cup opener as Pacific nations dominate
England begins its tournament campaign in Perth on Saturday, seeking to reverse European rugby league's fortunes.
At a glance
- England plays Tonga in Perth on Saturday in a must-win World Cup fixture
- Samoa defeated France with a record victory on Friday
- Australia narrowly beat New Zealand in an opening-night thriller
- Pacific island nations are generating record crowds and strong fan engagement
England plays Tonga in Perth on Saturday in a crucial opening match of the men's rugby league World Cup. The tournament has already generated significant interest, with Australia and New Zealand delivering a close contest and Samoa recording a record victory over France.
The Pacific island nations have emerged as major forces in the competition, drawing large crowds and passionate support. England's performance against Tonga will be a key indicator of the European game's competitive standing in the tournament.
Why it matters
The tournament is establishing Pacific island nations as major rugby league powers, with their performances potentially reshaping the sport's competitive landscape.
Original reporting
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.