England and Papua New Guinea are doing battle at Wigan Warriors’ DW Stadium for a place in the last four of the Rugby League World Cup.
England – the birthplace of rugby league – against Papua New Guinea – the only country where rugby league is the national sport – it is set to be a special affair.
It won’t necessarily be the easy win for England many expect it to be. The Kumuls defeated Great Britain back in 2019 in one of the biggest international shocks we’ve ever seen.
Meanwhile, the precedent set by Fiji’s quarter-final win over New Zealand back in 2017 demonstrates at this stage of the competition anything can happen.
Especially against a PNG team which has already pushed another of the tournament favourites – Tonga – all the way in a 24-18 defeat at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.
They have some star players like Leigh Leopards trio Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape and Nene MacDonald, Leeds Rhinos star Rhyse Martin not to mention Alex Johnston.
Even if England do beat them, a tough semi-final at the Emirates Stadium awaits against either Samoa or Tonga.
So, Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock has called upon England’s NRL stars to step up and make the difference.
Super League’s most successful player – as a nine-time Champion – described the NRL as the “premier” competition believing it to be of a “higher intensity” and a “high standard” as he spoke on BBC before the game wanting those who star in the NRL to step up and lead England to victory today and ultimately World Cup glory believing that the NRL is perhaps a cut above Super League and therefore those who play in it have the experience to lead the side to victory.