How to watch rugby league on TV this week including second Ashes Test and Pacific Championships

Following a dramatic week in the world of international rugby league, as the Ashes series returned for the first time in over two decades and a lightning storm half-way through Samoa and Tonga’s match delayed the game for over 90 minutes. 

Australia, Samoa and Papua New Guinea’s men’s sides were all victorious in their respective match-ups last week, whilst the Australian Jillaroos and the Cook Islands Women’s side were also deserved winners.

This week sees six more matches broadcasted from across the world, including the crucial second Ashes Test that could decide the outcome of the series.

Saturday 1st November:

Starting nice and early, Papua New Guinea Women and Tonga Women kick the weekend’s action off in the Women’s Pacific Championship. The Orchids have Wigan Warriors star Emily Vievers in their side, who will be hoping for more success after achieving a clean sweep of trophies at club level.

Then PNG’s men take on Fiji Bati in what is a dress rehearsal for next week’s final. Both sides are confirmed to be in the top two after both beating Cook Islands over the past two weeks. The Kumuls will be without Leigh Leopards duo Liam Horne and Jacob Alick-Wiencke, who have been left out of the side, but Lachlan Lam and Edwin Ipape will feature, and will probably play a key role if they are to win.

Moving back to the UK, Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium hosts the second Ashes Test, in what is a do or die game for Shaun Wane and his team. The Kangaroos can wrap up the series with a win on Saturday, and will be hoping to do just that with another dominant performance.

Sunday 2nd November:

The following day sees an even earlier start, with the Kiwi Ferns taking on the Australian Jillaroos. The Kangaroos Women’s side have lost just once since 2017, but that came at the hands of their opponents this week, as the Kiwis pipped them 12-6 in the 2023 instalment of the event.

There is also some wheelchair rugby league taking place, as Englansd continue their tour of Australia. Following a successful first Test that saw them emerge 56-28 winners, Joe Coyd’s side will be looking for a series whitewash, and will do so if they are victorious on Saturday morning.

Following that, New Zealand men take on Tonga in the final group stage match of the Pacific Championships. The Tongans need to win by 17 points or more to join Samoa in the final, else it will be the Kiwis taking that spot in the final two.

How, when and where to watch rugby league on TV this week

Saturday 1st November:

Papua New Guinea vs Tonga (Women) @ 3:00am on Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL

Papua New Guinea vs Fiji @ 6:00am on Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL

England vs Australia @ 2:30pm on BBC One

Saturday 2nd November:

New Zealand vs Australia (Women) @ 2:35am on Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL

Australia vs England (Wheelchair)  @ 5:00am on NRL Pathways YouTube

New Zealand vs Tonga @ 5:05am on Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL