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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Mark Staniforth

England’s Rugby League World Cup hopes already hang by a thread after brutal Tonga defeat

The complicated cross-group system means England’s final two games against Papua New Guinea and France could be rendered irrelevant - (Getty)

England’s Rugby League World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after a crushing 30-12 defeat by Tonga in their opening match of the competition in Perth.

Brian McDermott’s men were undone by the brilliance of Dolphins half-back Isaiya Katoa who masterminded his side’s stunning win and contributed a crucial 14 points with the boot.

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