Super League players impress in World Cup Week 2

Super League's stars once again continued to shine on the world stage, as the second round of group fixtures of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup delivered more standout performances.

Plenty of Super League players caught the eye in Brian McDermott’s England side, as they recorded an emphatic victory over France.

Warrington Wolves' Matty Ashton and former Wolf George Williams were among the stars of the show in Perth on Saturday.

Ashton enjoyed a dream World Cup debut, crossing for a try while making 224 metres from 21 carries, the most runs of any player on the pitch.

Captain Williams also led by example, scoring a try and providing three assists in an influential display.

The England number six added a line break, four tackle busts and 118 metres in a 58-minute stint as England kept their semi-final hopes alive.

Wigan Warriors were also well represented with five players lining up at HBF Park. Harry Smith controlled proceedings with the boot, recording 14 kicks in play and a whopping 362 kicking metres while also surpassing the 100 gain-line metres.

Meanwhile, Luke Thompson topped England's tackle count with 32, while Sam Walters continued to impress with 20 carries and 144 metres.

Brad O’Neill and Junior Nsemba made up the rest of the Warriors contingent.

Hull KR's magic Mikey Lewis made an immediate impact from the bench, crossing for two tries in a trademark performance, while teammate Jez Litten enjoyed an increased role in England's second game of the tournament.

The hooker produced five dummy-half runs and played an important hand in several attacking moves.

St Helens full-back Jack Welsby also got on the scintillating action, adding a try and a try assist as England ran in 14 tries.

Elsewhere on the Friday, Tonga secured victory over Lebanon with Huddersfield Giants playmaker Tui Lolohea once again at the heart of the action.

Starting at half-back, Lolohea played the full 80 minutes, assisted two tries and kicked three goals, as Tonga secured back-to-back wins.

His clever kick helped create Tonga's final try of the afternoon, while he also added three tackle busts in another impressive display.

Fiji pushed reigning World Cup holders Australia all the way on Sunday, with all of their try scorers coming from Super League clubs.

Castleford Tigers’ Semi Valemei starred with a hat-trick, while the Giants' Taane Milne crossed in the first half to level the scores. 

Valemei also led the way for running metres with 136, made three line breaks and recorded 16 carries in an outstanding effort.

Bradford Bulls’ Waqa Blake and new Wolves recruit Mitchell Prest also featured as Fiji produced a strong showing.

Despite Cook Islands suffering a heavy defeat to New Zealand, the soon to be Wakefield Trinity player Mason Teague once again impressed. 

Teague once again topped his side's tackle count with a remarkable 51 tackles, continuing his strong start.

As the tournament gathers momentum, Super League stars continue to make the headlines.

Who will star in Week 3?