England vs Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips & Predictions - Big English Win
England are backed to cover the -36.5 handicap against Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup, following their 82-0 win over France and PNG's defensive collapse against Samoa. Under 60.5 total points is also recommended, anticipating a more measured scoring performance than England's last match. Herbie Farnworth 2+ tries is the final selection after his first-half hat-trick in Round 2. Team news includes Morgan Knowles returning for England and Zac Laybutt starting at fullback for PNG.
- England are tipped to cover the -36.5 handicap against Papua New Guinea.
- England beat France 82-0, while PNG conceded 64 points to Samoa.
- Under 60.5 total points and Herbie Farnworth 2+ tries are also selected.
England vs Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips
England vs Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips - England Backed for Another Big Win
England's Rugby League World Cup campaign reaches a crucial point on Friday when they face Papua New Guinea in Wollongong, with both nations fighting to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
- England vs Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips – England Backed for Another Big Win
- England vs Papua New Guinea Key Stats
- England vs Papua New Guinea Head to Head
- England Form Analysis
- Papua New Guinea Form Analysis
- England vs Papua New Guinea Team News
- England vs Papua New Guinea Team Lists
Brian McDermott's side responded emphatically to their opening defeat against Tonga, dismantling France 82-0 in Perth. England now need another convincing performance, and we're backing them to cover the -36.5 handicap against a PNG side that conceded 64 points to Samoa last weekend.
The Kumuls showed plenty of fight early against Samoa before falling away badly after half-time. We're expecting England to take control again, although Under 60.5 total points is our second selection as we anticipate a more controlled scoring performance than the France demolition.
Herbie Farnworth 2+ tries completes our bets after the centre's stunning first-half hat-trick in Round 2.
England vs Papua New Guinea Key Stats
- England bounced back from a 30-12 defeat to Tonga with an 82-0 victory over France.
- Papua New Guinea have conceded 82 points across their opening two World Cup matches.
- England scored six tries in 16 minutes against France.
- Herbie Farnworth scored a first-half hat-trick in England's Round 2 victory.
- PNG conceded 50 unanswered second-half points in their 64-6 defeat to Samoa.
England vs Papua New Guinea Head to Head
England defeated Papua New Guinea 46-6 in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals and 36-6 in the 2017 quarter-finals.
Both matches finished under 60.5 points, with England winning by an average margin of 35 points.
England Form Analysis
England recovered from their opening 30-12 defeat to Tonga with a record-breaking 82-0 demolition of France in Perth.
AJ Brimson delivered a player-of-the-match performance with five line breaks, seven tackle breaks, three try assists and a try.
Herbie Farnworth and Dominic Young both scored hat-tricks, while England exploded for six tries in just 16 first-half minutes after being held scoreless for the opening 20.
George Williams and Harry Smith controlled the attack, with England producing their first Test victory on Australian soil since 2008.
Papua New Guinea Form Analysis
Papua New Guinea opened their campaign with a 42-18 victory over Lebanon before suffering a heavy 64-6 defeat to Samoa.
The Kumuls led Samoa 6-4 early and trailed just 14-6 at half-time, but their defence collapsed after the break as they conceded 50 unanswered points.
Bailey Biondi-Odo has scored in both tournament matches, while Rhyse Martin crossed against Lebanon and kicked seven conversions from seven attempts.
PNG have scored 48 points and conceded 82 across their opening two matches.
England vs Papua New Guinea Team News
England have named Jez Litten at hooker and Morgan Knowles at lock, with the latter returning from a calf injury. Brad O'Neill drops to the reserves and Victor Radley moves to the interchange bench.
AJ Brimson retains the fullback jersey, while Herbie Farnworth and Dominic Young remain in the backline following their hat-tricks against France.
Papua New Guinea have moved Zac Laybutt to fullback, with Josh Feledy and Nene Macdonald named in the centres.
Luca Moretti returns at prop, while Liam Horne replaces the injured Jack de Belin at lock.
England vs Papua New Guinea Team Lists
| England | No. | |
|---|---|---|
| AJ Brimson | 1 | Zac Laybutt |
| Dominic Young | 2 | Robert Derby |
| Hugo Savala | 3 | Josh Feledy |
| Herbie Farnworth | 4 | |
| Matty Ashton | 5 | Dudley Dotoi |
| George Williams | 6 | Gairo Voro |
| Harry Smith | 7 | |
| Max King | 8 | Epel Kapinias |
| Jez Litten | 9 | Edwin Ipape |
| Luke Thompson | 10 | Luca Moretti |
| Junior Nsemba | 11 | Rhyse Martin |
| Kai Pearce-Paul | 12 | Nixon Putt |
| Morgan Knowles | 13 | Liam Horne |
| Mikey Lewis | 14 | Finley Glare |
| Sam Walters | 15 | Jacob Taulani |
| Ethan Havard | 16 | Robert Mathias |
| Victor Radley | 17 | Sanny Wabo |
| Ben Currie | 18 | |
| Jack Welsby | 19 | Zev John |
| Brad O'Neill | 20 | Morea Morea |
| Zach Eckersley | 21 | Rodrick Tai |
| Kallum Watkins | 22 | Alex Max |
Verdict
England -36.5 is our best bet as McDermott's side chase another convincing victory. Under 60.5 total points and Herbie Farnworth 2+ tries complete our selections.
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