Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles have been brought into England’s starting line-up for their must-win Rugby League World Cup clash against Papua New Guinea, with Brad O’Neill dropping out of the squad entirely.
England rugby league team (Credits: BBC Sport)
England Rugby League World Cup Team Changes: Litten and Knowles In, O’Neill Out
Hull KR hooker Litten comes in at number nine as head coach Brian McDermott chases a big victory in England’s final Group B-C match in Wollongong on Friday (09:05 GMT) to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
O’Neill, who was named the best player in Super League in 2026, is not even in the 19-player matchday squad, despite wearing the number nine shirt for last Saturday’s victory over France. Dolphins lock Knowles returns after missing the opening two matches with a calf injury, replacing Victor Radley, who drops to the bench.
Warrington winger Matty Ashton, brought in for the France match, keeps his place on the wing, while Wigan’s Zach Eckersley is again not in the matchday 19. McDermott has, however, made late changes to his initial squad for both of England’s matches so far, so further tweaks before Friday remain possible.
England’s Semi-Final Equation Against Papua New Guinea
England have been on the back foot since a 30-12 defeat to Tonga in their opening game, but they responded with a crushing 82-0 victory over France to keep their tournament dreams alive.
Now they must beat co-hosts Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on Friday, then hope Tonga beat Samoa two days later in Sydney. If Samoa win, England are eliminated due to their inferior head-to-head record against Tonga. But if Tonga win, qualification comes down to points difference between England and Samoa — with England currently 68 points worse off than the Samoans.
That means Friday’s match is not just about winning for England — it is about winning big.
Also Read: 68-Point Swing and a Tonga Win: How England Avoid Rugby League World Cup Exit | Australia Reach Rugby League World Cup Semis as Tom Trbojevic Hat-Trick Stuns Fiji 36-22
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
