Rugby League World Cup: England draft Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles into starting line-up for crunch Papua New Guinea match

27.10.2026, 10:05 skysports.com

Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles have been drafted into England's starting line-up for their crunch Rugby League World Cup clash against Papua New Guinea on Friday.

Brad O'Neill drops out of the 19-player matchday squad after featuring in England's 82-0 victory against France on Saturday.

Brian McDermott's side must secure victory in their final Group B and C match to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. They will then face a nervous two-day wait for Tonga's clash against Samoa.

If Samoa win, England will be knocked out of the Rugby League World Cup at the group stage for the first time in history due to their head-to-head record against Tonga.

Tonga are guaranteed to finish above England, having won two games, including their 30-12 win against McDermott's side in their tournament opener.

But England can advance on points difference if they beat Papua New Guinea by a large margin and Tonga secure a convincing victory against Samoa.

Litten will take over from O'Neill at hooker for his first start in the tournament, while Knowels will play as England's loose forward, after missing England's first two matches due to injury.

Victor Radley, who wore the No 13 jersey against France, has dropped to the bench.

Litten, who started as an interchange during England's match against France, came on to score in the 58th minute, while Herbie Farnworth, who scored a hat-trick of tries, keeps his place in the centres alongside Hugo Savala.

Interchange: 14. Mikey Lewis; 15. Sam Walters; 16. Ethan Havard; 17. Victor Radley; 18. Ben Currie; 19. Jack Welsby; 20. Brad O'Neill; 21. Zach Eckersley; 22. Kallum Watkins.