England's men's rugby league team faces a must-win situation against Papua New Guinea on Friday in Wollongong as they attempt to keep their Rugby League World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes alive. Coach Brian McDermott has urged patience and discipline, emphasizing the need to stick to the game plan that produced an 82-0 victory over France last weekend.
Men's Team: Points Chase and Selection Changes
England require a 68-point swing in points difference over rivals Samoa, who must lose to Tonga on Sunday, to avoid missing the knockout stages for the first time in World Cup history. The match against Papua New Guinea kicks off at 09:05 GMT on 30 October in Wollongong, Australia.
McDermott said the team must not panic or deviate from their structure, noting that against France they were scoreless for the first 22 minutes before pulling away. Papua New Guinea, meanwhile, led Samoa 14-6 at halftime last Saturday before collapsing to a 64-6 defeat.
Warrington winger Matty Ashton retains his place on the left wing, while Hull KR's Jez Litten is preferred at hooker over Wigan's Brad O'Neill, the reigning Super League Man of Steel. O'Neill drops to the interchange bench alongside club teammate Zach Eckersley. Brisbane Broncos prop Ben Talty has yet to feature, and late call-up Kallum Watkins is also among the substitutes, with Victor Radley and Jack Welsby omitted.
Morgan Knowles is set to make his tournament debut after recovering from a calf injury that sidelined him for England's 30-12 loss to Tonga on 17 October. The Dolphins forward's return coincides with the birth of his third child on Wednesday. McDermott said Knowles is eager to play and the squad is pleased for him.
Women's Team: Battle-Hardened for Samoa Showdown
England's women's team also faces a decisive Pool A match against Samoa on Friday at 06:45 GMT in Wollongong, with the winner advancing to a semi-final against New Zealand. Prop Vicky Whitfield described the 78-0 loss to reigning champions Australia as the "best preparation" for the faster pace and attacking shapes they will encounter.
Whitfield said the heavy defeat helped the team adjust defensively and reset for the crucial game. England are aiming for a fifth consecutive semi-final appearance under coach Stuart Barrow. Great Britain lost to New Zealand in the 2000 final, but England have yet to reach a women's World Cup final.
