England v Tonga Rugby League World Cup 2026: How to Watch, TV Channel and Live Stream
England kick off their Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 campaign against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at HBF Park in Perth, with kick-off scheduled for 10:05am BST. Fans can watch live streams and TV coverage globally through various regional broadcasters, including a free broadcast option on 7plus in Australia and Premier Sports in the UK.
Broadcast and Streaming Options by Region
In Australia, matches of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup are available to watch for free on Seven and its 7plus streaming service, requiring only an email address to create a free account, as reported by rugbyworld.com. Viewers in the UK and Ireland can watch the match live on Premier Sports 1, which holds exclusive rights to the tournament after replacing the BBC. According to radiotimes.com, Premier Sports subscriptions start from £12.99 per month, with coverage accessible via television packages, online streaming, and mobile apps. In the United States, Premier Sports offers a dedicated RLWC26 Pass covering all 53 tournament games for $25. New Zealand viewers can tune in via Sky Sport, while international fans across more than 120 countries can access regional streams through Premier Sports.
England Faces Challenging Opener as Third-Best Team
Brian McDermott’s England side enters the tournament as the third-best team in the world, facing a challenging opener in Perth. Rugbyworld.com notes that England’s best modern finish as a standalone nation is runners-up, trailing historically behind the tournament records of Australia and New Zealand. With the new tournament format placing six teams across Pool B and Pool C to battle for just two semi-final spots, Radio Times points out that a huge game awaits both sides, though the sources mention no match between Samoa and France.
Squad Line-ups for the Opening Clash
The confirmed team sheets for Saturday’s fixture feature established international talent across both squads. England’s starting 13 features AJ Brimson at fullback, Dominic Young and Herbie Farnworth on the flanks, and captain George Williams partnering with Harry Smith in the halves. The English forward pack includes Max King, Brad O’Neill, Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, and Victor Radley, supported by interchange options Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Ethan Havard, and Sam Walters. Tonga counters with Lehi Hopoate at fullback, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Tolutau Koula in the outside backs, Latu Fainu and Isaiya Katoa in the halves, and a formidable pack anchored by captain Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake, and Tyson Frizell.
Gerard Sutton Referees Match with BBC Providing Coverage
On-field control for the fixture rests with referee Gerard Sutton, supported by touch judges Dave Munro and Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, while senior review official Ashley Klein oversees the video technology. Viewers in the UK can also follow audio coverage via BBC Radio Sports Extra on DAB radio, selected TV packages, or online through the BBC website and BBC Sounds app. New customers wagering on the fixture can access a bet365 promotion offering a Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets incentive. For fans traveling abroad, virtual private network services can facilitate access to home broadcasts.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.