The performance may not have been perfect but in terms of passing a test of character, this felt like a tick in the box for Shaun Wane’s new-look England side.
The rebuild from last year’s disappointing Rugby League World Cup campaign, and the road to the next tournament in 2026, begins for England with this three-Test series against Tonga. The series, against a side full of experience and physical presence, always felt it would be a good yardstick to determine where the national side are and whether they could exorcise the demons from 12 months ago. The early evidence suggests not only will this be a brilliant series, but that England can come through encounters when they are being asked firm questions.
