Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Tonga beat England 30-12 in Rugby League World Cup opener
Tonga beat England 30-12 in the Rugby League World Cup opener in Perth.
England were held scoreless in the first half and trailed 10-0 at the break.
Tonga’s Isaiya Katoa helped set up the opening try and kicked three goals, while Haumole Olakau'atu scored twice after half-time.
England replied with tries from AJ Brimson and Dom Young, but could not close the gap.
The defeat is a setback for England, who were looking to show they could compete with leading Pacific teams.
England face France in Perth next Saturday and must regroup after the loss.
Tonga beat England 30-12 in the Rugby League World Cup opener in Perth.
England trailed 10-0 at half-time after Stefano Utoikamanu scored and Isaiya Katoa kicked three goals.
AJ Brimson and Dom Young scored second-half tries for England.
Haumole Olakau’atu scored twice as Tonga secured the win.
The defeat marked the start of Brian McDermott’s reign as England head coach.
- Who
- Tonga beat England.
- What
- Tonga won 30-12 in the Rugby League World Cup opener.
- When
- 17 October 2026, according to the Sky Sports publication date.
- Where
- Perth.
- Why
- Tonga’s scoring included a try from Stefano Utoikamanu, three goals from Isaiya Katoa and two tries from Haumole Olakau’atu.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Stefano Utoikamanu scored for Tonga and Isaiya Katoa kicked three goals as Tonga took a 10-0 lead.
AJ Brimson scored for England, but Tonga added two tries in three minutes and a Katoa penalty to lead 24-6.
Dom Young scored for England.
Haumole Olakau’atu scored his second try as Tonga completed the 30-12 win.
- Final score
- Tonga 30-12 England
- Half-time score
- Tonga 10-0 England
- Venue
- Perth
- Tonga try-scorer
- Haumole Olakau’atu scored twice
- England try-scorers
- AJ Brimson and Dom Young
5 sources
Brian McDermott remaining positive after England loss in Rugby League World Cup
England thumped by Tonga in World Cup opener
England’s World Cup test against Tonga will show where power really lies in rugby league
What people are saying
It’s definitely been different, I’m not going to tell you all the tricks of what we’ve got planned but it’s been different and enjoyable
The group have all bought into what he wants us to do and hopefully you’ll see that when we play against Tonga.
I won’t give too much away but we’ll do some stuff you might not have seen before.