Brown Brands World Cup Format a Disaster as England Face Must-Win PNG Clash

Kevin Brown fears England could be denied their moment at the Rugby League World Cup. The former half-back, who won 10 caps for his country, has branded the tournament format "a bit of a disaster" for Brian McDermott's side ahead of Friday's must-win clash with Papua New Guinea in Wollongong. England's hopes are hanging by a thread after their opening defeat to Tonga. Only two teams progress from the combined Pool B and Pool C table, so England likely need a huge score against the Kumuls — and then hope Tonga beat Samoa in Sunday's Pacific showdown. Brown believes England are only now finding their feet three weeks into the tournament, and that the draw denied them the chance to build. "We travelled a long, long way to get to Perth, had two sessions," he said, arguing that a gentler opening — France first, Tonga third — would have let combinations grow. "It would be a big shame not to see the best version of England," Brown added. "I still believe there's a lot in this team and that they can achieve something special if we can sneak through these group stages." Friday night is their last chance to prove him right.