England Rugby League World Cup Team News: Litten and Knowles Start vs Papua New Guinea

BBC Sport · 2026-10-27
England Rugby League World Cup Team News: Litten and Knowles Start vs Papua New Guinea

England head coach Shaun Wane has made two changes to his starting line-up for the crucial Rugby League World Cup clash against Papua New Guinea, bringing in Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles. Litten, the Hull KR hooker, replaces Brad O'Neill, who drops out of the matchday squad entirely, while Knowles comes into the side as England seek to secure their place in the knockout stages. The match is a must-win for England after their opening defeat to Samoa, and Wane has opted for experience and defensive solidity in the pivotal group game. Knowles, the St Helens loose forward, is renowned for his work rate and tough tackling, while Litten adds speed and creativity around the ruck. Papua New Guinea, coached by Stanley Tepend, are also desperate for a victory to keep their own quarter-final hopes alive, setting up a tense encounter in St Helens. England fans will be hoping the new-look spine can deliver a statement performance and revive their World Cup campaign before the pressure mounts further.