Tonga vs Papua New Guinea: Kick-off time, Venue, TV Channel and Team News

One of the tournament favourites get their World Cup started tonight as Tonga take on Papua New Guinea.

Kristian Woolf’s team is full of genuine stars from the NRL and Super League who look set for another big campaign. PNG also boast some of the best players from the NRL with the likes of Queensland winger Xavier Coates and Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam

Here is everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

Kick Off time and Venue

The game kicks off at 19:30 at St Helens Totally Wicked Stadium

TV Channel

The game is live on BBC Three and also available through BBC Iplayer

Team News

Tonga will be without their star man Jason Taumalolo for the opening two games of the tournament as he is serving a suspension. However, they have still named a formidable forward pack with the likes of David Fifita and Addin Fonua-Blake ready to cause havoc. As for PNG they have also named a strong squad for the opener with Leeds Rhinos Rhyse Martin set to captain his country and Super League bound Lachlan Lam tasked with guiding his team around the park.

Tonga 19-man squad: 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Will Penisini 5. Sione Katoa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Tui Lolohea 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho © 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Soni Luke 15. Haumole Olakau’atu 16. Tevita Tatola 17. Moeaki Fotuaika 18. David Fifita 19. Moses Suli 20. Tolutau Koula 21. Ben Murdoch-Masila 24. Isaiya Katoa

PNG 19-man squad: 3. Nene MacDonald 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Wellington Albert. 9. Edwin Ipape 10. Slyvester Namo 11. Nixon Putt 12. Rhyse Martin 13. Jacob Alick 15. Dan Russell 16. MacKenzie Yei 17. Emmanual Waine 18. Kevin Appo 20. Rodrick Tai 21. Sherwin Tanabi 23. Watson Boas