Rugby League World Cup Tips and Predictions – Round 2

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is up and running and footy fans have already been treated to some top-tier test matches.

Australia and New Zealand played out one of the best games of Rugby League you’ll see in any arena to open the tournament, with the Kangaroos getting home 24-22 in a game that had everything. 

Elsewhere, Samoa flexed their attacking muscle, running in 78 points against France, while PNG, Tonga and Fiji all recorded assured victories against Lebanon, England and the Cook Islands respectively. 

A quick look at Round 2 of the RLWC and you’ll see nothing but David vs Goliath matchups. 

It’s not often you see a run of odds this one-sided, but when national pride is on the line, anything can happen. Are we about to see some of the all-time World Cup upsets? Let’s find out! 

For all the latest news, analysis, and odds ahead of this week’s RLWC action, check out our Rugby League World Cup Round 2 tips and predictions below.

Tonga vs Lebanon Prediction 

Friday, October 23, 8:05pm AEDT – CommBank Stadium 

Round 2 of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicks off with genuine contenders Tonga hosting Lebanon at CommBank Stadium on Friday night. 

Tonga arrive in red-hot form after a statement 30-12 win over England last start. Their all-star cast wasted no time flexing their muscle with Haumole Olakau'atu bagging a double, Player of the Match Isaiya Katoa steering the ship and slotting goals, and Stefano Utoikamanu crossing for a try of his own. 

Five-eighth Latu Fainu copped a pectoral strain during that performance but is in a race to be fit for Lebanon.

Lebanon, meanwhile, head into this clash on the back foot after going down 42-18 to Papua New Guinea in their opener. 

The Cedars have shown flashes of attacking spark but have struggled defensively against the tournament's stronger packs and Tonga arguably have the strongest pack of the lot. 

The only previous meeting between these two came way back in 2017, which resulted in a tight 24-22 Tonga win.

Both teams have changed drastically since then. Tonga have become an international rugby league powerhouse, but the same can’t be said for Lebanon. 

Head-to-head prediction: Tonga.

Betting tip: Haumole Olakau'atu anytime try scorer. 

Papua New Guinea vs Samoa Prediction 

Saturday, October 24, 3:25pm AEDT – Santos National Football Stadium 

If we’re any chance of seeing an upset in Round 2, this is where it’s most likely to happen. 

Yes, Samoa are heavy favourites here and rightfully so after annihilating France 78-4. However, PNG head into the match full of confidence of their own, having beaten Lebanon 42-18 in their opener and they’ll enjoy home advantage again in Port Moresby.

That being said, the Samoa scorecard read like a footy fantasy novel. Ten different try-scorers, including debutants Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua, who combined for 17 tackle breaks, plus a standout showing from Sua Fa'alogo, who came off the bench to cross for four tries. 

The one concern is winger Deine Mariner, who left the field with a hamstring injury and faces a fitness test.

History also offers little hope for the Kumul. Their only previous World Cup meeting with Samoa ended in a 38-4 Samoa romp back in 2013 and more of the same could be inbound here. 

Head-to-head prediction: Samoa. 

Betting tip: Sua Fa'alogo to score 2+ tries. 

England vs France Prediction 

Saturday, October 24, 5:35pm AEDT – HBF Park 

Both teams arrive at this one nursing bruised egos. England went down 12-30 to Tonga, while France were thumped 78-4 by Samoa in one of the most lopsided results of the tournament so far. 

For England, this is close to a must-win if they're to keep their qualification hopes alive, and they'll be without Morgan Smithies, who's been ruled out through injury and replaced by Kallum Watkins. 

Victor Radley, Dom Young, and Hugo Savala will need to lift significantly after a flat Round 1 showing.

France will be looking for any kind of response after their Samoa mauling, but the quality gap between the two sides, and England's 5-0 all-time World Cup head-to-head record over Les Chanticleers, suggests England will start as clear favourites. 

Head-to-head prediction: England. 

Betting tip: Dom Young first try scorer. 

New Zealand vs Cook Islands Prediction 

Sunday, October 25, 4:05pm AEDT – One NZ Stadium 

New Zealand will be disappointed to have lost their thrilling tournament opener 22-24 to arch rivals Australia, but there were plenty of positives to take forward. 

Kalyn Ponga produced a stunning solo try before a broken arm forced him from the field, while James Fisher-Harris and Naufahu Whyte combined for a massive 302 run metres through the middle. 

Keano Kini is set to step into the fullback role vacated by Ponga, adding fresh attacking threat to an already potent Kiwis side.

Cook Islands, by contrast, were well beaten 12-40 by Fiji in their opener and were without key players Valentine Holmes and Marata Niukore, who remain in doubt. 

The history between these two nations is lopsided in the extreme. New Zealand's only previous World Cup meeting with the Cook Islands ended in an 84-10 demolition at the 2000 World Cup.

While we doubt it will get that ugly, a convincing New Zealand victory, even without Ponga, looks like the likely result here. 

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand. 

Betting tip: Ronaldo Mulitalo first try scorer. 

Australia vs Fiji Prediction 

Sunday, October 25, 8:05pm AEDT – Suncorp Stadium 

The Kangaroos will close out Round 2 of the Rugby League World Cup, when they host Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night. 

Australia edged a tense 24-22 win over New Zealand to kick-start their home tournament, with debutant Jack Bostock announcing himself in style with a hat-trick and 231 run metres, which included the match-winning try. 

Kevin Walters’ side will be without halfback Mitchell Moses, who's been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a high-grade muscle tear.

With Cameron Munster rested this week, Tom Dearden shifts to five-eighth alongside debutant halfback Sam Walker. 

James Tedesco is also expected to line up at fullback, giving Reece Walsh a week off after his scintillating showing against the Kiwis. Bradman Best is also in contention to start here. 

Fiji, meanwhile, head into the clash full of confidence after a 40-12 win over the Cook Islands, with Brandon Wakeham (three try assists, six goals) and Apisai Koroisau both outstanding.

It's a dangerous Fiji outfit, but Australia's World Cup record against them is perfect, seven wins from seven meetings, including a 42-8 win in 2022 and a 54-6 win in 2017. 

Head-to-head prediction: Australia. 

Betting tip: Jack Bostock first try scorer.

*Odds are subject to change.