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England adds Litten and Knowles as O'Neill drops out for clash with PNG

BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 27, 2026, 5:38 AM

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

England adds Litten and Knowles as O'Neill drops out for clash with PNG
Summary

Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles join England's starting lineup for their Rugby League World Cup match against Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30. Litten replaces Brad O'Neill, the 2026 Super League MVP, who is not included in the squad. Knowles returns after recovering from a calf injury, taking the spot of Victor Radley on the bench. England must win this final Group B-C match to remain in contention for the semi-finals, needing a favorable result from the Tonga vs. Samoa match shortly after. A loss will eliminate them from the tournament due to their inferior head-to-head record against Tonga.

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BBC Sport
Status Watch
  • •Jez Litten starts at hooker for England against Papua New Guinea.
  • •Morgan Knowles returns from injury, replacing Victor Radley.
  • •England won 82-0 against France after a defeat to Tonga.
  • •A win against PNG is essential for England's semi-final chances.
  • •England's fate also depends on the outcome of Tonga vs. Samoa.
Latest Updates
  • 5:38 AMBBC Sport — Litten and Knowles in as O'Neill drops out for England
What they're saying
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Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles are brought into the starting line-up for England's must-win Rugby League World Cup match against Papua New Guinea - with Brad O'Neill dropping out.

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NRLRugby

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