England has made important lineup changes before their crucial Rugby League World Cup Group B-C match against Papua New Guinea, with Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles entering the starting squad while Brad O’Neill is left out.
Coach Brian McDermott has introduced Hull KR’s hooker Jez Litten and Dolphins lock Morgan Knowles to the starting side ahead of Friday’s match in Wollongong, scheduled for 9:05 a.m. GMT. This comes as England aims to secure a victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive following a mixed tournament start.
Lineup Adjustments Reflect Shifting Strategy
Brad O’Neill, who received the Super League Player of the Year award in 2026 and wore the number nine jersey in England’s recent win over France, is excluded from the 19-player matchday squad. Meanwhile, Morgan Knowles returns after missing earlier games due to a calf injury, taking Victor Radley’s starting position with Radley moving to the bench.
Matty Ashton retains his wing spot following his inclusion against France, whereas Wigan’s Zach Eckersley remains out of the matchday squad. Given McDermott’s pattern of late squad adjustments, further changes cannot be ruled out before kickoff.
England’s Path Depends on Results and Points Difference
England’s campaign started with a setback, losing 30-12 to Tonga, but they bounced back with a commanding 82-0 victory against France. To advance, England must defeat Papua New Guinea and hope Tonga beats Samoa. A Samoan win would eliminate England due to their head-to-head record with Tonga, while a Tonga win places England’s fate on points difference, currently 68 points behind Samoa.
Women’s Team Prepares Important Match Against Samoa
On the women’s side, England faces a must-win group game as well. Georgia Roche replaces Jenna Foubister at half-back after Foubister struggled against Australia. The squad also adapts following injuries and positional changes, including the inclusion of Mary Coleman at prop and the return of captain Jodie Cunningham to the bench after recovering from an ear injury.
A victory for England women secures a semi-final berth, likely against New Zealand, their opponents in the previous World Cup semi-finals.
England Men and Women Lineups for Upcoming Matches
Men’s Starting XV: AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Matty Ashton, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Knowles.
Interchange Men: Mikey Lewis, Ben Currie, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Victor Radley.
Men’s Reserves: Kallum Watkins, Brad O’Neill, Zach Eckersley.
Women’s Starting XV: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Izzy Rowe, Georgia Roche, Mary Coleman, Keara Bennett, Liv Wood, Lucy Murray, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Megan Williams.
Interchange Women: Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Hope Millard, Lucie Sams.
Women’s Reserves: Ruby Bruce, Evie Cousins, Molly Jones.
