Papua New Guinea strolled to victory in their opening match of the Rugby League World Cup, downing Lebanon 42-18.

It was a profitable afternoon for the Super League and London Broncos players involved. With 10 players involved, five of those men scored tries, with Wigan’s Abbas Miski, albeit on the losing side, scoring twice.

The likes of Morea Morea and Gairo Voro were at their brilliant best, whilst the retiring Rhyse Martin had a 100% success rate from the boot.

Lebanon scored twice just before the break, reducing an 18-0 deficit to just six points as the sides headed into the sheds.

Finley Glare and London teammate Epel Kapinias scored early in the second half to put the game beyond doubt, giving Jason Demetriou’s side their first points of the World Cup.

How Super League and London Broncos players fared in PNG v Lebanon

Morea Morea – Papua New Guinea – 8.5/10

Arguably PNG’s best this afternoon, the London full-back was excellent on both sides of the ball. Assisting Robert Derby’s score, Morea made an incredible try-saving tackle on Tony Francis after an intercept.

Nene MacDonald – Papua New Guinea – 7/10

It was revealed in commentary that he had some injury niggles in the week. Carried well, making over 200 metres, but didn’t get too much of an opportunity to strut his attacking skills.

Gairo Voro – Papua New Guinea – 8/10

Scoring the opening try of the game after picking up a loose ball and racing away, the Championship Player of the Year also provided an assist in the game, as he again showed he is one of the Kumuls’ most promising players.

Finley Glare – Papua New Guinea – 8/10

Usually a hooker for London but played half-back for the Kumuls. Combined well with Voro well and had a strong running game. Scored a second-half try as well as being part of Derby’s score in the first half.

He made an incredible try-saving tackle on Jason Saab on 27 minutes, and was substituted with 15 to go.

Edwin Ipape – Papua New Guinea – 7.5/10

The explosive hooker wasn’t all that effective for the first 70 minutes of the game, but the final 10 saw him assist tries for Martin and Bailey Bondi-Odo.

Rhyse Martin – Papua New Guinea – 7/10

In his final few games before retirement, the modern-day PNG great was at his best as not only did he kick seven goals from seven, but he crossed for a crash-ball try as well.

Lian Horne – Papua New Guinea – 6.5/10

The Leigh man played the first 55 minutes of the game, swapping from loose forward to hooker later in his stint. He was one of the quieter Kumuls on what was an affluent afternoon for the side.

Epel Kapinias – Papua New Guinea – 7.5/10

The London prop came off the bench and added a real impact when entering the fray on 25 minutes. In his 35-minute stint, he scored a try, ran for 99 metres and made 18 tackles.

James Roumanos – Lebanon – 7/10

The Toulouse prop started the game and carried well, averaging just over eight metres with every run. Making 18 tackles with no misses, he was certainly one of Lebanon’s better forwards across the afternoon.

Abbas Miski – Lebanon – 8/10

For a man who hasn’t played Super League in over a year and only made a handful of reserves team appearances in 2026, Wigan’s Miski performed exceptionally well for his country.

Scoring two tries, one in each half, the winger was thrown into the back row position for the Cedars, which makes his efforts even more astounding.

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