Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Harry Smith says England believe they can win Rugby League World Cup
England’s Harry Smith says the team believes it can win the Rugby League World Cup, despite going into the tournament as underdogs.
England are in Australia, where they open against Tonga in Perth on October 17.
They will then play France and Papua New Guinea in their group, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
England lost all three Ashes Tests to Australia before the World Cup.
Coach Shaun Wane has been replaced by Brian McDermott, who believes England’s approach—not the players—was the problem in those defeats.
McDermott wants England to seize chances to score, especially against strong defensive teams.
England’s next step is to face Tonga, then complete their group games against France and Papua New Guinea.
England’s Harry Smith says the team believes it can win the Rugby League World Cup despite entering the tournament as underdogs.
England are in Australia with the goal of winning the tournament.
Their campaign starts against Tonga in Perth on October 17.
England’s group also includes France and Papua New Guinea.
Brian McDermott has replaced Shaun Wane as head coach since England’s 3-0 Ashes series defeat to Australia.
- Who
- England, including Harry Smith, and head coach Brian McDermott.
- What
- England are aiming to win the Rugby League World Cup.
- When
- England begin their campaign on October 17.
- Where
- The tournament is in Australia; England’s opening match against Tonga is in Perth.
- Why
- England want to win the tournament, and Smith says the team believes it can despite its underdog status.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
England suffered a 3-0 series defeat to Australia.
Shaun Wane made way for Brian McDermott as England head coach.
England are due to begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth.
- England's group
- Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea
- Opening match
- Tonga in Perth on October 17
- England head coach
- Brian McDermott
- Ashes result
- Australia beat England 3-0
- Tournament location
- Australia
What people are saying
England are in Australia with one goal; to win the tournament.
It is a proud moment for myself and my family, a first World Cup so I am really looking forward to it
He wants us to take every play as an opportunity to score so I feel like that is what he is going to push for, especially when you are playing against Australia and New Zealand, those really good defensive teams.
Posts on X
Your #EnglandRL 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup 🏴
🇹🇴 Tonga have named their squad for the IRL Rugby League World Cup, and it's a big one 🔥 Their first match is against England. Next Saturday, 17th October at HBF Park, Perth. Tickets on sale now: https://t.co/bSiDNkMoUe 🎫 #RLWC26
Sources
Related news
Mikey Lewis left out of England’s Rugby League World Cup opener
Matt Richardson withdrawn from Great Britain’s track cycling squad
Brisbane 2032 Olympics CEO Cindy Hook to leave when contract ends
Nick Blakey joins North Melbourne after apologising over Sydney scandal
Men’s Rugby League World Cup returns with a new format
Suaalii backs Nawaqanitawase's possible Wallabies return in November
Sindhu and Tanvi begin Denmark Open campaigns on Tuesday
Paul Seixas wins Il Lombardia after skipping European Championships
Nick Blakey’s move to North Melbourne is completed
Beth Mooney reaches 100-game milestone as cricket eyes Brisbane 2032
Baxter aims to win back Exeter fans after low Sandy Park turnout
