Rugby League World Cup 2026 Round 2 Expert Tips

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Round 2 of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup is here, with five huge men's matches set to shape the pool standings. After Tonga stunned England and Australia edged New Zealand in the opening round, there is plenty to look forward to as the tournament continues.

This round looks like it could be full of blowouts, with big favourites in every game this round.

Here are my Round 2 tips and predictions.

Tip: Tonga by 13+ points

Tonga head into this clash full of confidence after their impressive win over England. Their forward pack has the power to dominate the middle, while Isaiya Katoa and Tuimoala Lolohea give them plenty of attacking options.

Lebanon will be hoping to make life difficult for the Tongans, with Jacob Kiraz and Alex Twal among the NRL talent giving them some quality across the park. However, Tonga's size, speed and individual talent should prove too much over 80 minutes, especially off the back of a lacklustre performance against PNG.

I expect Tonga to control possession, win the forward battle and pull away early to a comfortable victory.

Tip: Samoa 13+ points

This is potentially one of the most entertaining matches of the round. Papua New Guinea will have strong home support in Port Moresby and will be eager to use that advantage against a talented Samoan side with both sides off the back of great wins.

Samoa have plenty of attacking firepower, with Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow capable of breaking a game open.

The loss of winger Deine Mariner is a setback, but Sualauvi Fa'alogo's impressive performance after coming off the bench provides a stronger option on the wing.

PNG will need to be at their best defensively to contain Samoa's outside backs and creative spine. Home support should keep the Kumuls competitive, but Samoa have the individual quality to create separation late in the game.

Tip: England by 13+ points

England have a point to prove after their disappointing defeat to Tonga. They showed some promising attacking moments in that match, but lacked the finishing power needed to turn pressure into points.

France will be hoping to improve after their opening loss to Samoa, they have heaps of room that's for certain; but England have the stronger squad by far.

Herbie Farnworth, Dom Young, George Williams and Harry Smith provide plenty of attacking ability, while Victor Radley and Kai Pearce-Paul add aggression through the middle.

England need a convincing performance to keep their campaign on track. If they can control possession and limit their errors, they should have enough quality to win comfortably.

Tip: New Zealand by 13+ points

New Zealand will be desperate to respond after their narrow loss to Australia. The Kiwis pushed the defending champions all the way and showed that their forward pack can compete with the best teams in the tournament.

The major concern is the absence of Kalyn Ponga, who has been ruled out with a broken arm. Keano Kini takes over at fullback, while Jahrome Hughes and Kodi Nikorima will be crucial to the team's attacking structure.

The Cook Islands have some dangerous players, including Valentine Holmes, who returns to the side, but New Zealand should have too much strength and depth across the park.

Expect the Kiwis to dominate the forward battle and create enough opportunities to secure a comfortable victory.

Tip: Australia by 13+ points

Australia face a dangerous Fiji side that impressed in its opening win over the Cook Islands. The Bati have plenty of speed and attacking flair, with Brandon Wakeham, Sunia Turuva and captain Apisai Koroisau among the key players.

However, the Kangaroos remain one of the strongest teams in the competition. James Tedesco returns at fullback, while Sam Walker and Tom Dearden will form a new halves combination following Mitchell Moses' injury.

Australia have made several changes, giving a number of players an opportunity to impress. Despite the reshuffle, their depth remains exceptional, with Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray and David Fifita providing plenty of power through the middle.

Fiji can cause problems if they find space out wide, but Australia's overall quality should eventually shine through for an easy win.