With week two of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup now complete, here is a full run-down of all the injury news across both the men’s and women’s competitions.

It was another frantic weekend of international action packed with high-octane double-headers, but several stars paid a heavy price on the pitch, leaving head coaches sweating on squad fitness heading into the final group-stage fixtures.

Papua New Guinea 6-64 Samoa (Men)

The Kumuls suffered a double pre-game and mid-game blow during their heavy defeat to Toa Samoa. Star back Nene Macdonald was a late withdrawal after pulling out on game day due to sickness. 

Meanwhile, forward Jack De Belin was taken to hospital with a suspected rib fracture following a brutal collision during the match. 

For Samoa, interchange forward Jazz Tevaga was initially named on the bench but was omitted from the matchday 17 prior to kick-off, with no official reason yet confirmed for his absence.

England 82-0 France (Men)

Brian McDermott’s side managed to navigate their emphatic victory over Les Chanticleers without reporting any fresh injury concerns. 

However, the afternoon proved costly for France, with utility back Latrell Siegwalt suffering a dislocated shoulder during the clash, leaving the field in visible discomfort and facing a stint on the sidelines.

England 0-78 Australia (Women)

The Lionesses face a major squad sweat following a disastrous and painful morning in Perth. 

Skipper Jodie Cunninghamwas sent straight to hospital for stitches after suffering a severe head clash in the first half. 

Fullback Fran Goldthorp required extensive physio treatment on an arm injury but managed to play through the pain, while young forward Eva Hunter left the field in the first half with an ankle issue and did not return. 

The winning Jillaroos also suffered a devastating blow as current Golden Boot holder Julia Robinson fractured her wrist during the contest. 

The star winger has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup in a huge blow to Australia’s title defense.

Australia 36-22 Fiji (Men)

Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos managed to come through their victory over the Bati at Suncorp Stadium without reporting any fresh injury concerns. 

However, Fiji suffered an early blow in their forward pack when veteran prop Jacob Saifiti was forced off the field in the 15th minute following treatment for a leg injury.

New Zealand 82-16 Cook Islands (Men)

The Kiwis entered the match managing the pre-tournament blow of losing star fullback Kalyn Ponga to a broken arm.

Stacey Jones’ side emerged from their dominant win over the Cook Islands without any new immediate concerns. 

The Kukis might have picked up some bumps and bruises across 80 minutes, but no long-term structural injuries were reported post-match.

Related Topics