Tonga enters Round 2 full of confidence after a statement victory over England that strengthened its status as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Another win over Lebanon would place Mate Ma’a Tonga on the verge of a semi-final berth and maintain the momentum built from an impressive opening-round performance.
Lebanon, meanwhile, faces a must-win situation after falling to Papua New Guinea in Round 1. The Cedars showed flashes of attacking promise despite the defeat, but they will need a significant improvement against one of the most powerful forward packs in international rugby league if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Read Full Previews
Men’s Rugby League World Cup
- Tonga vs Lebanon → tonga-vs-lebanon-rlwc-preview-2026
- Papua New Guinea vs Samoa → papua-new-guinea-vs-samoa-rlwc-preview-2026
- England vs France → england-vs-france-rlwc-preview-2026
- New Zealand vs Cook Islands → new-zealand-vs-cook-islands-rlwc-preview-2026
- Australia vs Fiji → australia-vs-fiji-rlwc-preview-2026
Women’s Rugby League World Cup
- Australia vs England → australia-vs-england-womens-rlwc-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Friday 23rd of October – 8:05 (AEST) – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Channel 7
Referee: Liam Moore | Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Paul Alamoti, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Salesi Foketi, 10. Stefano Utoikamanu, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 13. Jason Taumalolo (c), 14. Soni Luke, 15. Taniela Paseka, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Leka Halasima, 18. Latu Fainu, 19. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, R. Talatau Amone, R. Robert Toia, R. Siua Wong
Lebanon: 1. Jacob Kiraz, 2. Tony Francis, 3. Michael Gabrael, 4. Jordan Samrani, 5. Jason Saab, 6. Khaled Rajab, 7. Alex Conti, 8. Jaxson Rahme, 9. Moustafa Dirani, 10. James Roumanos, 11. Tony Sukkar, 12. Mikael Ibrahim, 13. Alex Twal (c), 14. Yehya Ayache, 15. Tupou Francis, 16. Jalal Bazzaz, 17. Khalil Rahme, 18. Joseph Nohra, 19. Abbas Miski, R. Ibrahim El Labban, R. Mohamed Alameddine, R. Cameron Kanaan
Match Preview
Tonga are one of the teams to watch at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, having become just the second nation in history to defeat every Tier One nation on the international stage. Their emphatic 30–12 victory over England sent a clear message to the rest of the competition that they are serious about going all the way. Tonga’s forward pack was a major talking point throughout the match, with their physical dominance and relentless pressure keeping England’s key forwards at bay for large periods of the contest.
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing start to the tournament for Michael Cheika’s Lebanon side, who suffered a heavy 42–18 defeat to Papua New Guinea. However, there were still glimpses of talent within the squad, with Tony Francis producing an impressive performance. The number two made history by recording 292 running metres, the most by a player in a single World Cup match. Despite the heavy defeat, Lebanon showed some attacking flair towards the end of the first half, and if they can carry that momentum into their next outing, they could pose a serious challenge to Tonga.
Tonga have made a handful of changes to their line-up, with Latu Fainu dropping to the interchange bench following a pectoral injury suffered last week. His absence sees Tui Lolohea move into the starting six jersey. Sione Katoa and Paul Alamoti also join the backline, replacing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Rob Toia. In the forward pack, Stefano Utoikamanu moves into the starting prop role, allowing Jason Taumalolo to shift to lock. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki earns a starting spot in the second row, with Siua Wong dropping back to the reserves, while Taniela Paseka joins the interchange bench.
On the other hand, the Cedars have made just one change, with Moustafa Dirani promoted to starting hooker and Yehya Ayache shifting to the bench.
Tonga’s depth in the front row is outstanding, and much like their victory over England, their dominance through the middle could prove decisive in this clash. Lebanon will need to match the physicality of the home side and stand their ground against a relentless forward pack. If Tonga can replicate the performance they produced against England, it could be a long and challenging afternoon for the visitors.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Tonga by 56
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