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Tonga leave humbled England on brink of early World Cup exit

ENGLAND 12 TONGA 30 STEPHEN IBBETSON, HBF Park, Perth, Saturday NEW coach, new players and a new style – but it was the same old…

By Stephen Ibbetson · Total Rugby League

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 11:39 AM

Key Things to Know

Tonga defeated England 30-12 in Perth to leave England facing a potential group-stage World Cup exit.
The match was Brian McDermott's first game in charge of England after replacing former coach Shaun Wane.
Stefano Utoikamanu, Tolutau Koula, and two-try scorer Haumole Olakau’atu crossed the line for Tonga.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tonga defeated England 30-12 at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, October 17, 2026, putting England on the verge of a group-stage World Cup exit. In England's first match under head coach Brian McDermott, Tonga built a 10-0 halftime lead through a Stefano Utoikamanu try and kicking points from Isaiya Katoa, ultimately outscoring England four tries to two.

England responded in the second half with tries from AJ Brimson and Dom Young, both converted by Hugo Savala. However, two tries from Haumole Olakau’atu, a score from Tolutau Koula, and seven successful kicks by Katoa secured Tonga's victory, leaving England needing results against France and Papua New Guinea to remain in contention.

Read the full article on Total Rugby League

Tonga leave humbled England on brink of early World Cup exit

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