England vs Tonga Prediction – Rugby League World Cup 2026

Rugby League World Cup hopefuls England and Tonga will start their quests for world domination against one another at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday.

This is only the second time these two nations have met in a World Cup, with England winning that first and so far, only, encounter 20-18 in an all-time thriller.

England enter this tournament under new management, while Tonga are packing a forward pack that is arguably the most terrifying the international game has ever seen.

With this result carrying the potential to shape the entire group and both squads brimming with top-tier talent from both the NRL and Super League, this is a World Cup showdown not to be missed. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this 2026 Rugby League World Cup Round 1 clash, check out our England vs Tonga tips and predictions below!

England vs Tonga Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Starting with England, captain George Williams leads a side with genuine depth across the park. Herbie Farnworth is arguably the best centre in world rugby league right now and is capable of breaking a game open with one touch. 

England's spine looks strong on paper, with Jack Welsby and Harry Smith offering creativity and composure. 

Victor Radley brings his trademark aggression through the middle, while Junior Nsemba, Luke Thompson, and Max King give England serious go-forward up front. Brad O'Neill and Morgan Knowles round out a pack that won't take a backward step.

For Tonga, Dolphins mentor Kristian Woolf has built them into one of the most feared teams in international rugby league, and this squad might be his strongest yet. The forward pack alone is enough to worry any opposition.

Jason Taumalolo remains one of the most destructive ball-runners in the game, and pairing him with Haumole Olakau'atu gives Tonga a front-rower and back-rower combination that few teams can match for sheer physicality. 

Addin Fonua-Blake adds more go-forward in the middle, while Stefano Utoikamanu and Felise Kaufusi provide depth that most nations would envy.

David Fifita brings explosive power on the edge, and his ability to offload out of contact makes him a constant threat.

Behind the pack, halfback Isaiya Katoa is the creative spark that ties it all together. His ball-playing and game management give Tonga a genuine attacking dimension to go with their forward dominance.

Add in Lehi Hopoate and Tolu Koula for speed out wide, and Tonga's roster reads like an NRL All-Stars team. 

England and Tonga have only met once at a World Cup, but it was a match for the ages. 

In the 2017 semi-final, England edged Tonga 20-18 in a contest that helped spark the modern golden era of Tongan rugby league support. 

That defeat, agonisingly close as it was, galvanised a fanbase that has since become one of the most passionate in the sport.

We’re tipping Tonga to extract a measure of revenge for that result here thanks to their all-star forward pack and the elite creative spark of Isaiya Katoa that was good enough to nearly take the Dolphins to an inaugural Grand Final this season. 

Betting tip: Tonga. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Both sides are bristling with try scoring titans, but we’re a sucker for form when it comes to this market. 

English winger Dom Young has been in red-hot form for the Newcastle Knights, crossing for more than 20 tries in the 2026 NRL season. 

He's the kind of finisher who turns half-chances into points and is able to barge over close to the lone or score from range with his blistering pace. 

Betting tip: Dom Young.

Over/Under Prediction 

With only one previous World Cup encounter to go off between these two that slide just under the 38.5 total match points line, we’ll be backing the under here. Just. 

Betting tip: Under 38.5 total match points. 

England vs Tonga Predicted Teams 

England Predicted Team List 

1. Jack Welsby

2. Dom Young

3. Herbie Farnworth

4. Hugo Savala

5. Joe Burgess

6. Mikey Lewis

7. George Williams (c)

8. Luke Thompson

9. Brad O’Neill

10. Max King

11. Junior Nsemba

12. Kai Pearce-Paul

13. Victor Radley

14. Jez Litten

15. Morgan Knowles

16. Morgan Smithies

17. Ben Talty

18. AJ Brimson

19. Ethan Havard

Tonga Predicted Team List

1. Lehi Hopoate

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Robert Toia

4. Tolu Koula

5. Jojo Fifita

6. Latu Fainu

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Addin Fonua-Blake 

9. Soni Luke

10. Stefano Utoikamanu

11. Haumole Olakau’atu

12. Leka Halasima

13. Jason Taumalolo (c)

14. Siua Wong

15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

16. Tyson Frizell

17. Tuimoala Lolohea

18. Paul Alamoti

19. Sione Katoa

England vs Tonga Match Details 

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:05pm AEST. 

Location: HBF Park, Perth. 

*Odds are subject to change.