Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 in Rugby League World Cup derby, confirming England's men's exit on points difference

Summary

Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 in a Rugby League World Cup derby played in a raucous atmosphere in Parramatta, Sydney. Both teams had already qualified for the final four, but the result confirmed England's men's exit from the tournament on points difference. Fans in Parramatta and across the eastern seaboard had celebrated the cultural bond between the two Pasifika nations for days, with flags flying from cars and large groups of both nationalities in the streets before kick-off. The Guardian described the match as a mass display of national pride, with fans who paid high prices on resale sites for tickets considering the money well spent.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   1 Nov 2026, 11:05 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Tonga's 20-18 win over Samoa confirmed England's men's exit from the Rugby League World Cup on points difference, with both Tonga and Samoa already through to the final four.