Tonga will be without star halfback Isaiya Katoa for Round 2 of the Rugby League World Cup, with the Dolphins playmaker ruled out of Friday’s clash against Lebanon after aggravating an ankle injury in last week’s historic victory over England.
Katoa suffered the injury late in the Dolphins’ NRL season before aggravating it in Perth, leaving Tonga Head Coach Kristian Woolf without one of his key playmakers as his side looks to build on its impressive opening-round performance.
Tonga made a statement with a 30-12 victory over England, securing their first-ever win against the English side.
Dolphins back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will again line up for Tonga as they prepare to face a Lebanon outfit looking to bounce back from a 42-18 defeat to Papua New Guinea.
The two nations have met just once before at a Rugby League World Cup, with Tonga narrowly claiming a 24-22 victory in the 2017 quarter-finals.
With just two points separating the sides in their previous encounter, Lebanon will be hoping to challenge Tonga once again, while Woolf’s men will be looking to continue their winning momentum despite Katoa’s absence.
Attention then turns to Papua New Guinea on Saturday, where Samoa will face the Kumuls in front of a passionate home crowd in Port Moresby.
Both sides enter the clash undefeated after dominant opening-round performances, with Samoa defeating France 78-4 and Papua New Guinea recording a 42-18 victory over Lebanon.
Samoa will be looking to continue their attacking form, having piled on 78 points in Round 1, but face a tougher challenge against a Kumuls side renowned for its physicality and strong home-ground support.
Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will again line up in the number one jersey after an impressive performance against France, scoring a try, providing a try assist, breaking four tackles and running for 169 metres.
Francis Molo will return to the front row after powering over for his first international try last week, while Connelly Lemuelu will again feature in the back row.
First International try for Molo
Samoa have won all three previous meetings between the nations, but the Kumuls will be determined to turn that record around on home soil.
With both teams chasing consecutive victories, the battle through the middle could prove decisive as Samoa’s powerful forward pack comes up against a physical Papua New Guinea outfit.
Saturday’s action continues in Perth, where England will be looking to get their World Cup campaign back on track against France.
Both nations are searching for their first victory after opening-round defeats, with England falling 30-12 to Tonga and France suffering a heavy loss to Samoa.
England will enter the contest with history on their side, having defeated France 40-8 when the nations last met in 2024.
Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth will again line up in the centres, looking to make his mark as England aim to rediscover their attacking rhythm.
With both sides desperate to avoid consecutive defeats, England will be looking for a response, while France will be determined to produce a more competitive performance.
On Sunday, New Zealand will return to home soil to face the Cook Islands in Christchurch, with both nations also chasing their first win of the tournament.
The Kiwis came agonisingly close to upsetting Australia in Round 1, falling 24-22 in a thrilling Trans-Tasman encounter, while the Cook Islands suffered a 40-12 defeat to Fiji.
Dolphins trio Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima and Jeremy Marshall-King will again feature for New Zealand as they look to turn their narrow opening-round defeat into a strong performance in front of their home supporters.
Isaako was perfect with the boot against Australia, converting all five attempts, while Nikorima and Marshall-King will play important roles in directing the Kiwis around the field.
New Zealand will be eager to make a statement after their opening-round heartbreak, with the Cook Islands facing another tough test against one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Round 2 will finish at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday evening, with Dolphins teammates and close mates Jack Bostock and Kurt Donoghoe preparing to go head-to-head when Australia takes on Fiji.
Bostock could hardly have asked for a better international debut, scoring a hat-trick and earning Player of the Match honours as the Kangaroos defeated New Zealand 24-22.
Now returning to familiar territory in Brisbane, the Dolphins winger will be looking to continue his remarkable start in the green and gold.
Bostock is set for an intriguing matchup against Fiji winger Semi Valemei, with the pair preparing to battle it out on the edge.
On the opposite side, Donoghoe will again wear the number six jersey for Fiji after an impressive opening-round performance in their 40-12 victory over the Cook Islands.
Partnering Brandon Wakeham in the halves, Donoghoe will have the task of steering Fiji around the park against the defending World Cup champions.
Australia and Fiji last met in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, played in 2022, with the Kangaroos claiming a commanding 42-8 victory.
With both sides coming off opening-round wins, Fiji will be looking to challenge Australia’s dominance, while the Kangaroos aim to continue their unbeaten start to the tournament.
For Dolphins fans, all eyes will be on Bostock and Donoghoe as the two teammates trade their club colours for national jerseys in what promises to be an exciting finish to Round 2.
