Tonga coach Kristian Woolf says his side sees itself as equal to the Kangaroos and Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup. Tonga beat Lebanon 36-0 in Sydney, keeping its perfect tournament record and moving close to a semi-final spot. Woolf said his squad is the strongest he has worked with across three World Cups. Tonga next plays rival Samoa, a match co-captain Jason Taumalolo expects to be physical and emotionally charged.
Samoa beat France 78-4 at Western Sydney Stadium, a result that drew a Friday evening crowd of 13,000. Tonga and Samoa's growing strength is challenging Australia's long dominance of international rugby league. Samoa and Tonga's November 1 match in Sydney has already sold out. The Pasifika population in Australia nearly tripled between 2011 and 2021. A 2017 rule change allowing players to represent the nation of their cultural ties has also shaped the tournament, with many players now choosing Pacific nations.
Tonga beat Lebanon 36-0 in Parramatta, confirming their place in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. A crowd of 25,605 filled Parramatta Stadium, the third highest for a match between two second tier nations. Tonga will next face Samoa. Lebanon, demoted to affiliate status since the last World Cup, may not return to the tournament for some time. Their final match next week is against France.
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Tonga veteran Tui Lolohea is set to extend his record as the nation's most-capped player in Friday's World Cup match against Lebanon. The 31-year-old came off the bench in last week's win over England and set up a try. He has played for Tonga more than any other player, and has been part of all five of the team's wins over Tier 1 nations. Lolohea says this tournament may be his last, as he has finished at Huddersfield and is yet to decide where he will play next.
A Tongan man deported from Australia has been sentenced to 12 years in jail for establishing a Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang chapter in Tonga. Eneasi Taumoefolau was found guilty last month of participating in an organised criminal group. The sentencing judge said his conduct was a structural assault on Tongan society. Taumoefolau has protested his innocence and indicated he will appeal. The sentence will be served concurrently with a life sentence he is already serving for drug importation.
The opening week of the Rugby League World Cup has produced standout performances across the tournament. Kalyn Ponga scored two tries for New Zealand before leaving late with a broken arm, though New Zealand still lost to Australia. Samoa's Su'a Fa'alogo, used from the bench, scored four tries in a heavy win over France. Papua New Guinea's Gairo Voro impressed in a victory over Lebanon, while Tonga produced their most dominant win over a Tier 1 nation against England. Fiji opened with a strong display against the Cook Islands, with halves Kurt Donogohoe and Brandon Wakeham linking well.
Tonga beat England 30-12 in front of a sellout crowd in Perth on Saturday night, putting England at serious risk of missing the Rugby League World Cup semifinals. Tonga led 10-0 at halftime and pulled away in the second half, with Dominic Young's late try a consolation for England. Coach Kristian Woolf praised his team's defence and depth. England coach Brian McDermott said his side had made too many errors. England must now beat France and Papua New Guinea and hope other results go their way to reach the top two in their pool.
Mitchell Moses will miss the rest of the Rugby League World Cup after a high-grade muscle tear to his lower leg, ruling him out of the Kangaroos' title defence. He was injured during Australia's 24-22 win over New Zealand in Sydney. In Perth, Tonga beat England 30-12, putting Tonga in a strong position to reach the semi-finals. England must now win its remaining two games and rely on results to progress. Papua New Guinea also beat Lebanon 42-18 in Port Moresby.
