England could win by 100 points on Friday and still not qualify for the semi finals of the rugby league world cup. It feels like they were on a hiding to nothing from the start

England play in a huge world cup game on Friday. They need to win their final group game to stand any chance of qualifying for the semi finals.

But even if they put 100 points past Papua New Guinea, they might still be heading home even if they finish level on points with second placed Tonga, despite a much better points difference because their final positions will be determined by head-to-head.

It would be the first time an England or Great Britain side has failed to reach the semi-finals of a world cup since the tournament started back in 1954.

England have been placed in the combined Pools of B and C in the rugby league world cup, currently being held in Australia and New Zealand. Though you might not even be aware it's happening.

The competition – a gathering of the global elite of the sport – is only available to watch on Premier Sports, behind a paywall. Neither the BBC nor Sky Sports – who broadcast Super League and Challenge Cup games – have forked out for the rights to air the games.

And even if the casual observer was able to tune in, the format would leave them scratching their heads. There are 10 teams in the tournament, so naturally there is a group of four and two groups of three.

The group of four play each other and the top two go through to the semis. Relatively straight forward so far. But in England's combined Pools, Group B teams play against those from Group C.

The top two of that combined table go through. Because England lost to Tonga in the first game, their fate is now out of their hands. They spanked France 82-0 last week to take themselves ahead of Tonga's points difference.

But it won't help them if Tonga lose to Samoa tomorrow as the dreaded head-to-head will determine their placings. England coach Brian McDermott said himself: "The jeopardy of losing one game in a pool of three is so harsh, it’s almost like we don’t get another chance to straighten things out.

"It’s just harsh that we have to take a standing eight count in that first round, but we’re ready to go again." By contrast in Group A, New Zealand lost their opening game against Australia but look very likely to reach the semis.

It is likely to leave a final four of Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga – four NRL dominated teams that will suit the broadcasters down under. But it will also serve another purpose.

England failing to make the group stages makes the game in this country look even weaker than the Australians claim it is already. And this directly benefits the NRL as they look to take over the competition in this country.

They can point to England's failure to get out of the group and say: "Look, this is why the game in your country needs us."

The growing gap between the Pacific nations and those in the northern hemisphere over the last decade is undeniable. But the likes of Ireland, Scotland and Wales weren't even given the chance to qualify for this shortened tournament.

And England had been in Australia for less than a week when their campaign got underway. The players endured a 48-hour journey from Manchester via London, Singapore and Sydney to reach their camp in Perth – on the other side of the country.

While it is fair to say the format is largely due to financial reasons when Australia stepped in to host after France’s withdrawal. But it feels like England were on a hiding to nothing from the start. And those who benefit the most from that are the Australians.