Brief
England’s Rugby League World Cup hopes dented by 30‑12 loss to Tonga in Perth
The defeat means England must rely on a Tonga win over Samoa to stay alive in the tournament.
By Felo News Desk · Published
England’s Rugby League World Cup campaign was set back by a 30‑12 defeat to Tonga in Perth on Monday, according to the Independent.
What happened
The match, part of the group stage, saw Tonga dominate the second half after a competitive first half. Dolphins half‑back Isaiya Katoa scored a try and added 14 points with the boot, accounting for the bulk of Tonga’s tally. England’s full‑back AJ Brimson, who was preferred over Jack Welsby, was repeatedly targeted by Katoa. The loss leaves England needing a Tonga victory over Samoa in two weeks to retain any realistic chance of reaching the semi‑finals.
What the reports add
Both Independent articles note that England’s early pressure faded after halftime, allowing Tonga to expose defensive weaknesses. One piece highlights that the defeat is revenge for Tonga after three test losses in the UK in 2023. Both sources also mention that England’s upcoming group games are against Papua New Guinea and France, which may become irrelevant under the cross‑group qualification system.
What was said
The Independent quoted the performance of Isaiya Katoa, describing him as the “brilliance” that “masterminded” Tonga’s win. The outlet also noted that Katoa will join England captain George Williams at his NRL club next season.
How it came about
England entered the tournament after a mixed pre‑World Cup schedule, including a recent loss to New Zealand in the opening match of the competition, which was covered by Felo News in the World Cup opener article. The group‑stage format, which pits teams from different groups against each other, means that a single loss can severely limit progression chances, a factor highlighted in earlier Felo coverage of the tournament’s structure.
Key facts
- England lost 30‑12 to Tonga in Perth. (independent.co.uk)
- Isaiya Katoa contributed 14 points with the boot for Tonga. (independent.co.uk)
- England now needs Tonga to beat Samoa to stay in contention for the semi‑finals. (independent.co.uk)
