Tonga Stun England 30-12 in Perth as Brian McDermott's World Cup Era Opens With a Defeat

England's Rugby League World Cup campaign opened in disaster on Saturday as Tonga ran out deserved 30-12 winners at HBF Park in Perth — a stunning defeat in Brian McDermott's first match as head coach.

Tonga were the sharper side from the start. Stefano Utoikamanu powered over off Isaiya Katoa's pass for the only try of the first half, and Katoa's boot — two penalties and the conversion — took the islanders into the break 10-0 up with England wasteful in good ball.

England finally struck after the restart when AJ Brimson finished off a superb George Williams-to-Hugo Savala move, and when Dominic Young crossed in the corner to make it 24-12, a comeback flickered briefly. But Tonga slammed the door shut: Haumole Olakau'atu scored twice — once finishing a kick through the line, then again diving over in the in-goal off a Katoa bomb — and Tolutau Koula grounded a Tui Lolohea kick before Katoa's final penalty sealed it.

The win was soured by a potentially serious pec injury to Tonga playmaker Latu Fainu, who left the game early.

With only two of six teams across Groups B and C reaching the semi-finals, England's search for a first World Cup triumph since 1972 is already in major doubt.