Brian McDermott's side get their tournament underway with a crucial clash against Tonga in Perth

England kick off their Men's Rugby League World Cup 2026 campaign against Tonga on Saturday.

It's a huge game, with both sides scrapping for a knockout stage place. Even after beating Tonga 3-0 in a hard-fought Test series three years ago, some would make England slight underdogs at HBF Park in Perth.

England captain George Williams says they will relish that underdog tag, having already lost Morgan Smithies ahead of the tournament.

Here's everything you need to know...

What time does England v Tonga kick-off?

England v Tonga will take place on Saturday 17 October 2026 at HBF Park in Perth.

The match kicks off at 10:05am.

What TV channel is England v Tonga on?

The match will be shown live on Premier Sports 1, with the channel having the exclusive rights to this year's tournament after the BBC did not bid for the rights this time around.

A subscription is required and starts from £12.99 per month. Subscribers can tune in to Premier Sports on TV, online or on a variety of devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets via their app.

How to live stream England v Tonga online

The match will be live streamed on Premier Sports Player, which is available on smartphones and tablets.

Is England v Tonga on radio?

You can listen to the match on BBC Radio Sports Extra.

BBC Radio Sports Extra is available on DAB radio or you can tune into the station via most TV packages. You can also listen to BBC Radio Sports Extra online via the BBC website or BBC Sounds app.

England vs Tonga - squad lists in full

England: AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O'Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley.

Interchange: Jez Litten, Ben Currie, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton.

Tonga: Lehi Hopoate, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tolutau Koula, Robert To'ia, Jojo Fifita, Latu Fainu, Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Soni Luke, Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau'atu, Siua Wong, Tyson Frizell.

Interchange: Salesi Foketi, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Tuimoala Lolohea, Paul Alamoti.