Explore the latest developments concerning 'Tough decision': Fifita.
'Tough decision': Fifita opens up on Tonga call ahead of RLWC debut
Jojo Fifita had three nations to choose from, but just days into Tonga’s World Cup camp, the Gold Coast Titans star is already seeing the importance of his decision.
Eligible to represent New Zealand, Australia or Tonga, Fifita faced a difficult call over his international future, with family ultimately helping him choose the red jersey.
His father, a proud Tongan who represented the nation in rugby union, played a key role in the decision.
Now, as Fifita prepares to make his international debut at the IRL Rugby League World Cup, he is embracing the opportunity to learn more about his heritage and share that connection with his family.
Rugby League World Cup 2026: England will relish underdog tag against Tonga
George Williams has been a member of England's previous two World Cup squads
England will relish their underdog tag when they take on a powerful Tonga side in their World Cup opener in Perth on Saturday, captain George Williams says.
They defeated the Pacific Islanders 3-0 in a hard-fought Test series at home three years ago – having previously edged to victory in a dramatic World Cup semi-final in Auckland in 2017.
But England – who have already suffered a blow with the withdrawal of Morgan Smithies through injury – have been forced into a late change to their starting line-up, with Luke Thompson replacing the absent Morgan Knowles.
Ulanzi R094 Metal Super Clamp with Double Ball Head Magic Arm Clamp with 1/4" 3/8" Hole for DSLR Camera Monitor Light Mic Mount
Must-win: Unique World Cup structure raises the stakes
England forward Ben Currie has revealed his side is treating Saturday's showdown with Tonga as a must-win as they navigate a unique IRL Rugby League World Cup structure.
Brian McDermott's squad has been placed in Pool B alongside Samoa and Lebanon. Rather than playing the two other teams in their group, each nation in Pool B will play the three sides in Pool C, meaning England will take on Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea.
At the conclusion of the group stage, the six teams will be collated in the one ladder and the top two nations will progress to the semi-finals. Crucially, head-to-head results will be used as the primary tiebreaker before for and against is considered.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning 'Tough decision': Fifita.
Leave a Reply