Tonga have made rugby league history with a stunning 30–12 victory over England in Perth, claiming their first-ever win against the English and announcing themselves as serious contenders for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The landmark triumph also delivered a measure of revenge for Tonga’s heartbreaking 20–18 semi-final defeat to England at the 2017 World Cup, when the Pacific nation came agonisingly close to reaching its first final.
Playing before 18,302 spectators at HBF Park on Saturday night, Tonga produced a determined defensive performance before unleashing a second-half attacking surge that overwhelmed England.
Second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu emerged as one of Tonga’s standout performers, scoring two tries as coach Kristian Woolf’s side overcame sustained English pressure to secure one of the most significant victories in the nation’s rugby league history.
The result places Tonga in a commanding position in their group and strengthens their prospects of reaching the World Cup semi-finals.
Tonga’s defence frustrates England
Despite England dominating lengthy periods of the opening half, Tonga’s defensive resilience proved decisive.
England, under new coach Brian McDermott, repeatedly threatened Tonga’s try line, with playmaker George Williams directing an expansive attacking game.
However, Tonga’s defensive line held firm, frustrating England’s efforts to convert possession and territorial advantage into points.
Stefano Utoikamanu opened the scoring for Tonga before two penalty goals from Isaiya Katoa extended the advantage to 10–0 at halftime.
The scoreline reflected Tonga’s ability to withstand pressure and capitalise on limited scoring opportunities.
Second-half surge seals victory
England finally broke through in the 46th minute when Williams created an opening for Hugo Savala, who linked with fullback AJ Brimson to reduce Tonga’s lead to 10–6.
With England gaining momentum and threatening to take control, a high tackle on Tongan winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak proved a turning point.
Tonga seized the opportunity, with Olakau’atu and Tolu Koula scoring tries in consecutive attacking sets.
The rapid scoring burst transformed Tonga’s narrow four-point advantage into a commanding 22–6 lead midway through the second half.
England responded through winger Dom Young, reducing the deficit to 22–12, but Tonga refused to surrender their advantage.
Olakau’atu then completed his double after collecting an Isaiya Katoa grubber kick in the closing stages, extinguishing England’s hopes of a comeback and helping seal the historic 30–12 result.
Historic breakthrough carries significance
The victory represents another major milestone in Tonga’s emergence as a force in international rugby league.
Nine years after England narrowly eliminated Tonga from the 2017 World Cup, the national team has finally overcome an opponent that had previously denied it a place in the tournament’s final.
The result is particularly significant because it came against one of rugby league’s traditional powers, reinforcing Tonga’s ability to compete with established international teams.
It also strengthens Tonga’s position in the race for the semi-finals, with the head-to-head result giving Woolf’s side an important advantage over England in the group standings.
England must now defeat France and Papua New Guinea while relying on Tonga to beat Samoa in their final group match on November 1 at the sold-out CommBank Stadium.
Injury concern despite triumph
Tonga’s celebrations were tempered by an injury to Latu Fainu, who left the field after just 17 minutes with a suspected pectoral strain.
Initial indications suggested medical staff were optimistic the injury was not serious, although his condition will require further assessment.
For Woolf and his players, the immediate focus will now turn to maintaining their momentum as the tournament progresses.
Tonga’s next major challenge against Samoa promises another fiercely contested Pacific encounter, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.
Saturday’s victory has already secured Tonga a place in the record books, ending its winless history against England and delivering a powerful statement of its World Cup ambitions.