England face must-win Tonga opener at Rugby League World Cup
England's Rugby League World Cup starts with no margin for error.
England open their men's campaign against Tonga at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday 17 October. Head coach Brian McDermott's side have described the game as must-win territory from the start because of the tournament's truncated format, according to The Guardian.
The reason is simple. This World Cup features only ten teams, so there is little room to recover from a slow start. England's clash with Tonga could determine which side progresses to the knockout rounds, NRL.com reported.
The early signs show why every result matters. Australia beat New Zealand on the opening night in front of the biggest Test crowd in Sydney for more than 50 years. Samoa then recorded a record win over France on Friday.
That Samoa result will sting for England fans. Samoa knocked England out in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Tonga, France and a final group game in Wollongong now stand between England and a chance to go one better.
For the opener, captain George Williams will direct the attack alongside Harry Smith in the half-back roles. The half-backs are the chief playmakers, the pair who organise the side with ball in hand. Mikey Lewis was left out for the first match, the BBC reported.
Kick-off in Perth is 8.05pm AEDT on Saturday, which is 10.05am for viewers in the UK. England stay in Perth for their second group game against France on Saturday 24 October before heading to Wollongong.
What makes this stand out is the pressure of league's arithmetic. There are no second chances hidden in a long group stage. Complete your sets, win field position, win the game. Lose, and England would likely need favours elsewhere.
Off the field, Super League missed the NRL's Thursday deadline to agree a partnership between the leagues. That story will run on. For now, England's focus is narrower. Beat Tonga, and the road opens up.
