World Cup 2021 – World Cup 2021: Group D preview (Tonga, PNG, Cook Islands and Wales) – Rugby League

2021 Rugby League World Cup: Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Wales and the Cook Islands, the battle of the Pacific in this group D.

Tonga

Logical favorites of this group D, Tonga confirmed by easily beating France in preparation with a few executives at rest. A first round which promises to be a warm-up for the Tongans before getting down to business.

Papua New Guinea

It is the Papuans who are expected to take the second qualifying place behind Tonga. The final warm-up game against Australia (64-14) was not a source of confidence but with tough players up front including Rhyse Martin of Leeds and the back line with Coates, Johnston and Olam, there is what to do but the battle will be tough.

Cook Islands

There are some beautiful names in this Cook Islands team and especially names well known to French supporters. We will find alongside Johnathon Ford, Dominique Peyroux and Dylan Napa, but also Esan Marsters, Brad Takaraingi and Zane Tetevano. Beautiful people who can give hope to the men of Tony Iro to beat Papua New Guinea to spin in the quarter. The first match against the Welsh will give us a first indication of the level of the team.

Wales

Not easy for the Welsh in this very dense group. Lots of Championship and League 1 players around Rhys Williams (Salford) and Kyle Evans (Wakefield) including three pairs of brothers and half of the country’s Evans. It will be very difficult to go for a victory.

World Thirteen