England thumped 30-12 by Tonga in Rugby League World Cup opener as Pacific Islanders claim stunning win
England beaten 30-12 by Tonga in Rugby League World Cup opener; England trailed 10-0 at half-time after Stefano Utoikamanu try and three goals from Isaiya Katoa; AJ Brimson and Dom Young scored second-half tries but Haumole Olakau'atu double and Tolutau Koula try condemns England to defeat
Last Updated: 17/10/26 1:56pm
Haumole Olakau’atu scores two second-half tries against England
England were handed a Rugby League World Cup reality check after a 30-12 thumping by Tonga in their tournament opener.
Brian McDermott's reign as England head coach got off to a dismal start as Isaiya Katoa inspired Tonga to a famous victory in Perth.
Half-back Katoa provided the precision behind Tonga's powerful forward pack. He proved the difference between the teams during a physical first half, creating a try for Stefano Utoikamanu and kicking three goals to give Tonga a 10-0 half-time lead.
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England had their moments in attack despite a scoreless first half and AJ Brimson got them back into the contest with a well-worked score but two Tonga tries in three minutes, followed by another Katoa penalty, left them trailing 24-6 with 19 minutes remaining.
Dom Young's 63rd-minute try gave England hope but Haumole Olakau'atu's second try, again created by Katoa, condemned them to a chastening defeat.
England line up to face Tonga's Sipi Tau
England are back in Perth next Saturday where they will be expected to defeat France, but there will be plenty to ponder before then.
Their struggles under the high ball will be a concern for McDermott, with Zach Eckersley constantly targeted by Katoa during a blood-and-thunder first half.
England did enjoy plenty of possession and territory during the opening period, with George Williams and Hugo Savala both denied just shy of the tryline, but they were living on the edge at the other end and were carved open on 24 minutes.
Tonga winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is tackled by Victor Radley, Harry Smith, Sam Walters and Brad O'Neill
Katoa, who lost half-back partner Latu Fainu to injury early on, received the ball in space and drew in two defenders before putting Utoikamanu through a gap to break the deadlock.
Katoa converted and slotted another kick two minutes later after Harry Smith obstructed the ever-dangerous Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Savala was again denied by a huge hit from Jojo Fifita while Herbie Farnworth was caught high as he charged for the line. England failed to capitalise from the penalty and things got worse for Farnworth when he was pinged for tripping Watene-Zelezniak as he again chased a Katoa kick on top of Eckersley.
Katoa's penalty made it 10-0 at the break.
Dom Young's try briefly gave England hope
England needed an early response after the restart and they got just that as another strong run from Young saw Williams and Savala put Brimson away, with Savala converting to cut arrears to four.
But they shipped a second try when Olakau'atu poked a toe at Katoa's blocked grubber, the ball ricocheting back into the path of the second rower, and Tolutau Koula bagged a third three minutes later after an inch-perfect grubber from ex-Huddersfield Giant Tui Lolohea.
Katoa converted from the touchline and added a penalty to make it 24-6, only for England to immediately hit back as Williams and Savala again combined to tee up Young.
However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly quashed as more magic from Katoa created a second try for Olakau'atu.
England are left requiring wins against France and Papua New Guinea in their remaining pool games, plus a favour or two elsewhere, if they are to reach the knockout stages.
McDermott: England in must-win territory
England head coach Brian McDermott:
"It was a really good contest. When it wasn't a contest it was more to do with us and the errors we made. They're a big, strong team, have got some tremendous players and we stood toe-to-toe with them for nearly all the game.
"Some tries through kicks which are always hard to defend, and then towards the back end of the game we made some errors chasing the scoreboard. I'm not going to say it's an easy fix but it's something I can change easily.
"We know what's in front of us now. We've got to win the next two games. There's tons of positives to take out of tonight. There's one or two glaring things that we need to get rid of, such as losing possession. But we'll be chasing the good stuff."
What's next?
England must regroup ahead of facing France in Perth next Saturday, kick-off 7.35am (UK and Ireland time).
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