World Cup dreams, semi-final spots and Pacific rivalries are on the line as Round 3 of the Rugby League World Cup gets underway, with Dolphins representatives preparing for a massive weekend on the international stage.
Morgan Knowles is set to make his first appearance of the tournament for England, while Isaiya Katoa returns from injury for Tonga's blockbuster showdown with Samoa.
With the knockout stages fast approaching, every result matters as the world's best battle to keep their World Cup campaigns alive
Knowles Returns as England Face Must-Win Clash
Dolphins forward Morgan Knowles has been named at lock for his first appearance of the tournament, joining teammate Herbie Farnworth as England prepare to face Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium on Friday night.
With their World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, England will be desperate to secure victory and keep their campaign alive.
England enter the clash with history on their side, having never lost to Papua New Guinea in a Test match.
The last time the two nations met was in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, played in 2022, when England recorded a dominant 46-6 victory, with Tommy Makinson crossing for five tries.
England will be looking to build on their impressive 82-0 victory over France in Round 2, where Farnworth delivered a standout performance, crossing for a hat-trick, running for 168 metres and recording nine tackle breaks.
However, PNG will present a different challenge, with their physical forward pack and powerful running game set to test England's defence.
The Kumuls head into the clash looking to bounce back from a 64-6 defeat to Samoa on home soil, knowing a victory over England would be a historic result.
New Zealand and Fiji Set for Another World Cup Battle
Saturday afternoon will see New Zealand and Fiji go head-to-head at Cbus Super Stadium, with both nations fighting to keep their World Cup campaigns alive.
The last time the two sides met was in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, played in 2022, when New Zealand survived a fierce challenge from Fiji to claim a narrow 24-18 victory.
That six-point thriller proved just how dangerous Fiji can be on the international stage, and another physical encounter is expected.
New Zealand head into Round 3 full of confidence following an emphatic 82-16 victory over the Cook Islands, with Jamayne Isaako crossing for a hat-trick.
Fiji, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after pushing the Kangaroos all the way in a hard-fought 36-22 defeat in Brisbane.
Despite the loss, Fiji showed they can challenge the tournament's strongest sides, with their powerful running game and ability to create opportunities in attack.
Kurt Donoghoe named player of the match
Kangaroos Head North to Face Cook Islands
Saturday night will see the Kangaroos head to Townsville to take on the Cook Islands at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, looking to continue their unbeaten World Cup campaign.
Australia were pushed to the final whistle by Fiji in Round 2, eventually securing a hard-fought 36-22 victory at Suncorp Stadium.
The Kangaroos will be looking for a more convincing performance against a Cook Islands side coming off a heavy 82-16 defeat to New Zealand.
History favours Australia, with the Kangaroos recording a dominant 50-0 victory over the Cook Islands at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
For the Dolphins, Jack Bostock will be one to watch if selected, following his remarkable Kangaroos run.
With the semi-finals approaching, Australia will be determined to sharpen their combinations and build momentum, while the Cook Islands will be looking to produce a strong response against the tournament favourites.
All Eyes on Tonga v Samoa in Blockbuster Sunday Showdown
All eyes will be on Sunday night as Tonga and Samoa go head-to-head at CommBank Stadium in one of the most anticipated clashes of the Rugby League World Cup, with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
Dolphins Head Coach Kristian Woolf will lead Tonga into the blockbuster clash, with star halfback Isaiya Katoa named to return after missing Round 2 with an ankle injury.
Katoa's return will provide a major boost to Tonga's attack, while fellow Dolphin Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been named in the reserves.
Both nations enter the clash undefeated, with Tonga recording victories over England and Lebanon, while Samoa have overcome France and Papua New Guinea.
Tonga opened their campaign with a historic 30-12 victory over England before backing it up with a dominant 36-0 win over Lebanon in Round 2.
However, standing in their way is a formidable Samoan side, fresh off a commanding 64-6 victory over PNG in Port Moresby.
Dolphins speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will look to continue his impressive form at fullback, having crossed for two tries, run for 154 metres and recorded seven tackle breaks against PNG.
Joining him are fellow Dolphins Francis Molo in the front row and Connelly Lemuelu in the back row, adding plenty of power and experience to Samoa's forward pack.
The last time these two Pacific powerhouses met was in Brisbane in 2025, when Samoa claimed a 28-point victory over Tonga.
Tonga will be out for revenge, with a victory securing their place in the World Cup semi-finals. A loss, however, would leave their fate dependent on points differential.
