Tonga stun England 30-12 in Rugby League World Cup opener

Tonga beat England 30-12 in the opening match of their Rugby League World Cup campaign in Perth, leaving England needing wins against France and Papua New Guinea to reach the semi-finals. [1]

England, ranked third in the world, failed to score before half-time and trailed 10-0. Tonga, ranked fifth, took the lead when Stefano Utoikamanu crossed after Isaiya Katoa’s pass, then added two penalties.

AJ Brimson scored England’s first try early in the second half, but Tonga held firm under sustained pressure. Haumole Olakau’atu scored twice, with Tolutau Koula also crossing. England’s second try came from Young, while Tonga’s Katoa added three conversions and four penalties.

The result ended Tonga’s run of six successive defeats against England. The teams are in a combined six-team group, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.