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England player ratings as NRL man scores 4 with two 7’s highest following 30-12 Rugby League World Cup defeat to Tonga

England have fallen to defeat in their first Rugby League World Cup game following a 30-12 loss to Tonga. Brian McDermott’s side were kept scoreless for the entire first half, despite having more possession and more time on the opposition…

By Sam Brocksom · Serious About Rugby League

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 11:13 AM

Key Things to Know

Writer Sam Brocksom awarded Dom Young and Brad O'Neill the top rating of 7/10 following England's loss.
England suffered a 30-12 defeat to Tonga in their opening match of the Rugby League World Cup.
Victor Radley received the lowest rating with 4/10 after making two errors and struggling in the pack.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Serious About Rugby League's Sam Brocksom assessed England's squad following their 30-12 defeat to Tonga in their opening 2026 Rugby League World Cup match. Dom Young and Brad O'Neill received the highest ratings with 7/10, while Victor Radley scored the lowest with 4/10 after struggling with errors and poor distribution in the pack.

Brian McDermott's England side fell behind after a scoreless first half, during which Tonga established a lead through a Stefano Utoikamanu try and Isaiya Katoa's kicking. Despite second-half England tries from AJ Brimson and Dom Young, a brace from Haumole Olakuatu and a try by Tolutau Koula secured the victory for Kristian Woolf's Tonga.

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