Rugby League World Cup 2026: England will relish underdog tag against Tonga

England will relish their underdog tag when they take on a powerful Tonga side in their World Cup opener in Perth on Saturday, captain George Williams says.

They defeated the Pacific Islanders 3-0 in a hard-fought Test series at home three years ago - having previously edged to victory in a dramatic World Cup semi-final in Auckland in 2017.

But England - who have already suffered a blow with the withdrawal of Morgan Smithies through injury - have been forced into a late change to their starting line-up, with Luke Thompson replacing the absent Morgan Knowles.

And with humidity expected to be above 60% inside HBF Park, Williams expects the toughest of starts against a Tonga side who have evolved since 2023 and are packed with NRL talent.

"Tonga are a stacked team. They have been for a few years now," Williams said.

"We'll be underdogs but we'll quite like that kind of brush on our head and we'll bring our game tomorrow night against a great team.

"I think it's always different over here as well, with the heat and different conditions. It helps when you drag them to Leeds and it's minus two or whatever it normally is in November.

"We're looking forward to the challenge. They are stacked full of world-class players who play across the NRL, so we know what we are in for, but we are fully prepared and ready."

Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand

Listen to live commentary on every men's match, and key women's matches - with coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app

England's recent World Cup history is one of heartache and near misses.

In 2022, they fell to a golden-point loss to Samoa in the last four and in 2017 they were beaten 6-0 by Australia in the final.

Williams, 31, who was part of those squads and captain when England lost 3-0 in the Ashes in 2025, dismissed any idea that baggage could inhibit the group now at head coach Brian McDermott's disposal.

"I don't think it hinders us. Some of the lads were talking about the last World Cup and it was probably one of the most difficult losses of my career to date," Williams added.

"It does sit there. You can't hide away from what happened but what it can do is give you drive and motivation and there's still numerous players within the group that felt that but the good thing is we've got a mixed bag.

"Some youth, some heritage and some old lads like myself can all mingle together and get the job done."

NRL gap a factor in France defeat by Samoa, says boss

New Zealand's Ponga has surgery on broken forearm

England's toils in the Ashes 12 months ago led to McDermott replacing Shaun Wane at the helm.

And it has also brought the promise of a "point of difference" in attack as they prepare for a potentially pivotal first match.

With Australia and New Zealand expected to advance from Pool A, it leaves England likely to fight it out with Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea from Pools B and C - which will be combined into one six-team table - for the other two semi-final spots.

"It's definitely been different. I'm not going to tell you all the tricks and what we're up to and what we're talking about, but it has been different and it's been enjoyable," added the Dolphins-bound Williams, who is keen to impress as he goes up against his his new club head coach Kristian Woolf and future halves partner in Isaiya Katoa.

"I think the group have all bought into what he wants us to do.

"Most Test matches start the same way, very physical, and that won't be changing at all this week for any game.

"Don't be expecting this mad expansive style of free-for-all but we're going to put some stuff in there that we've not done previously."

England get their Women's World Cup campaign under way directly prior to the men's match, as they take on Wales in a must-win opening game in Perth (07:35 BST).

Stuart Barrow's side thrashed the World Cup debutants 62-0 in August 2025 and claimed a record 82-0 win at Headingley over the same opponents in 2024.

However, Wales have strengthened since then, with second rower Paige Travis - who has switched allegiances from England - and Canterbury Bulldogs half-back Tayla Preston lining up for them on Saturday.

"I've seen Paige Travis and Dani McGifford and my team-mates at St Helens. I know all their strengths and how fantastic they are," said captain Jodie Cunningham, who has been named on the bench for Saturday's match and is set to appear at a fourth World Cup.

"Hopefully we come out on top. The combinations are really starting to come together now, so we're just excited and we're all ready to go."

England, ranked third in the world, will then take on reigning champions Australia and Samoa as they attempt to reach the last four for a fifth time.