Australia defeating New Zealand and England losing to Tonga were some of the big moments of the opening week of the Rugby League World Cup – but what about the moments you may have missed?

The Kangaroos tipped the Kiwis in a 24-22 thriller, as Kevin Walters’ side somehow found a way to win despite being dominated throughout the contest.

Similarly, Tonga’s upset victory over England has got people from both sides of the world talking, debating and revelling – but for every one of those headlines, some talking points slipped the net.

With week one of this year’s World Cup now complete, here is a run-down of five storylines and moments that you may have missed…

Five Rugby League World Cup week one moments that went under the radar

Premier Sports’ coverage gets off to an unfortunate start:

With no free-to-air broadcast of the Rugby League World Cup available in the UK, fans were left disgruntled at the fact that they had to pay yet another subscription fee – this time to Premier Sports, who bought exclusive rights to the competition.

Having used Channel 7’s feed for the games that didn’t involve England, Premier stepped their coverage up a gear when Brian McDermott and Stuart Barrow’s sides were in action. Having a full studio setup along with both pre- and post-match coverage, their first showing of an England game got off to the worst possible start after having difficulties showing the beginning of England Women’s game against Wales.

The broadcaster stated that it was technical difficulties in Australia that were to blame, but for a fanbase who were already aggrieved with having to put their hands in their pocket to watch the coverage, it wasn’t a great way to begin.

After going two or three minutes with no footage at all, a muted feed eventually became available, leading to the studio guests playing the role of commentators until the audio issues were corrected. During that time, winger Amelia Brown scored the first of her two tries, crossing in the left corner to get the first of 13 England tries.

Both the audio and video issues were rectified shortly after that, but as mentioned, it wasn’t exactly a good first impression they made.

England Women score wonder try:

Plenty was made of Casey McClean’s, Jack Bostock’s and Kalyn Ponga’s tries during Australia v New Zealand, and rightly so, but England Women also scored a try of the tournament contender in their victory.

Brown’s second try against Wales was a thing of beauty, as the Huddersfield speedster raced 107 metres to go from in-goal to in-goal and score a magnificent four-pointer.

The move started from a Welsh attacking kick that Brown looked to have misread, but her quickness to get to the ball, combined with her excellent speed, allowed her to go the distance in one of the best tries in an England jersey.

Ex-Super League ace Konrad Hurrell lands new role:

Former Leeds Rhinos and St Helens centre Konrad Hurrell is one of Tonga’s most influential players across the last decade, and despite having retired from the sport last season, he still found a way to remain in the Tongan camp for this year’s World Cup.

Retiring due to injury and relocating back to Australia, Hurrell took the surprise role of media manager for this tournament, and could be seen in and around the squad both on game day and in the days leading up to it.

The 35-year-old was seen with Aussie commentator Andrew Voss ahead of his nation’s meeting with England, with ‘Vossy’ taking to social media to share the moment.

Willie Peters addresses the Papua New Guinea locals:

Outgoing Hull KR boss Willie Peters landed in Papua New Guinea this week as he looks to begin his new role as head coach of the PNG Chiefs.

The Australian touched down in Port Moresby in mid-week before taking to the first at half-time of the Kumuls’ clash with Lebanon.

The Robins’ treble-winning coach addressed the crowd, outlining his vision for what he wants to achieve during his time at the newly-formed franchise. Part of his speech said: “Our aim is to make them [PNG fans] proud.

“There’s some talent in this country. And we’ve got to find that talent and give a pathway for the young players to strive to play for the PNG Chiefs.”

Peters then took a lap of the field where he was clapped and cheered by the locals.

Eli Katoa makes Tonga return after 12 months out with concussion:

Almost a year ago, Melbourne Storm star and Tongan international Eli Katoa suffered a life-threatening injury as he endured three separate head knocks in the space of 90 minutes.

The damage left him in need of emergency surgery following a bleed on the brain, and 12 months on, there is still uncertainty over whether he will make a playing return in 2027.

However, that didn’t stop Katoa from helping his nation in this year’s tournament, having taken on the role of team trainer and cultural advisor.

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