Super League stars shine on Rugby League World Cup stage

A host of Super League talent made their mark as the 2026 Rugby League World Cup got underway at the weekend, producing big performances across the opening round of fixtures.

Tevaga leads Samoa effort against France

Wakefield Trinity's Jazz Tevaga played an important role for Samoa, with the Super League champion spending 33 minutes on the field after coming on from the interchange bench, and providing valuable cover at hooker.

France's defensive efforts were spearheaded by Super League’s Mathieu Cozza (Huddersfield Giants) and Ben Garcia (Catalans Dragons before retirement), who recorded the highest tackle counts for their side with 37 and 32.

Hull KR's Arthur Mourgue was France's biggest threat with the ball in hand, with the World Club champion making a game-high 12 runs for his side, as well as 92 metres.

However, Samoa's defence stood firm and prevented any French player from reaching the 100-metre mark.

Lolohea inspires Tonga victory

Tui Lolohea produced a huge contribution as an explosive Tonga overcame England in their World Cup opener.

Introduced in the 17th minute, the Huddersfield Giants star immediately influenced the contest and never looked back.

Lolohea was at his brilliant best, and it was his kicking game that created the decisive moment, splitting open England’s defence and allowing Tolutau Koula to react quickest and score.

This extended Tonga's advantage to 20-6 and left them firmly in control of the contest with the conversion still to come.

For England, Brad O'Neill refused to stop working in defence. The reigning Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel topped England's tackle count with an impressive 41 tackles in defeat.

SL PNG contingent take centre stage

Several of Papua New Guinea's Super League representatives starred in their win over Lebanon.

The Robins' retiring Rhyse Martin delivered one of the standout individual displays of the round. He topped the Kumuls’ charts with 33 tackles, kicked seven goals, made two tackle busts and added a line break.

Leigh Leopards’ Edwin Ipape recorded the most kicks in play in the match with six, despite spending only 50 minutes on the field.

Leopards teammate Liam Horne also impressed, finishing with 27 tackles.

St Helens’ Nene Macdonald was a constant threat, posting 164 metres from 23 carries, alongside four tackle busts, a line break and three offloads.

Lebanon winger and Wigan Warriors' Abbas Miski crossed for two tries in a losing effort and added five tackle busts.

Fiji stars fire against Cook Islands

Super League players were again at the forefront as Fiji saw off the Cook Islands.

Bradford Bulls’ Waqa Blake enjoyed an influential game, scoring a try and finishing second for both runs (18) and metres gained (151).

Giants' Taane Milne also crossed the whitewash and added 84 metres, while Castleford Tigers winger Semi Valemei contributed 117 metres with ball in hand.

Meanwhile, Warrington Wolves’ new recruit for 2027, Mitchell Prest, finished second in the tackle count with 28.

For the Cook Islands, Wakefield Trinity’s new signing for next season, Mason Teague, led all defenders with an outstanding 53 tackles.

Then, Reubenn Rennie of Toulouse Olympique, continued the impressive form he showed during last year's international campaign, finishing among the Cooks' top three metre-makers with 114.

As the tournament progresses, Super League's stars continue to play leading roles on the international stage, with several players already producing eye-catching displays for their nations in the opening round.