Week Two of the Rugby League World Cup brought up some big performances, bigger scorelines and more Bulldogs impressing on the international stage.
Men's Results Week Two
Tonga vs Lebanon: Brave Cedars Outclassed by Tonga
The scoreline may have been 36-nil to Tonga, but it was an impressive and brave performance by the Lebanon Cedars, with young halfback Alex Conti a standout.
With halves partner Khaled Rajab taken from the field in the 14th minute, it was up to Conti to steer the ship, impressing in a side that refused to give up against the might of Tonga.
With fourteen runs for 115 metres, a linebreak, four tackle breaks and a whopping 26 tackles, Conti was everywhere for the Cedars, with his attacking kicks a highlight as he posted 258 metres with the boot.
Jacob Kiraz also kept the Tongan defence honest with 20 runs for 154 metres, five tackle breaks and two offloads in another wholehearted performance from the Bulldogs fan favourite at fullback.
The Cedars will be pushing for a victory in the third week of the Men's Rugby League World Cup when they face France on Sunday afternoon at CommBank Stadium.
Papua New Guinea vs Samoa: Crichton Crosses in Samoa Thumping
Stephen Crichton had another strong performance as Samoa put Papua New Guinea to the sword in Port Moresby in a 64-6 victory on Saturday.
The Bulldogs' Captain scored an imperative try for his side, touching down after winger Brian To'o batted back a cross-field kick back into play to give the Samoans a 14-6 lead.
2026 RLWC: Crichton Touches Down in Port Moresby
All but confirming Samoa's place in the Semi-Finals, Crichton has now posted 32 points in the tournamen, taking second place of all point-scorers.
Samoa will now turn their attention to rivals Tonga in a must-see clash on Sunday night at CommBank Stadium.
England vs France: King Dominates France
While his name wasn't on the scoresheet, Max King put in another trademark shift in the middle as England dispatched of France 82-nil in HBF Park, Perth.
The French held the Englishmen at bay for 20 minutes, but from there it was an onslaught with 14 tries being scored.
King dominated up front with a 18 runs - the most among starting forwards - with 169 metres, 61 being post-contact in another strong performance for the Three Lions.
Along with two offloads and three tacklebreaks, the Bulldogs enforcer was busy in defence with 25 tackles and no misses, posting a phenomenal 96.15% efficiency.
England will now face Papua New Guinea in Wollongong this Friday night, with an opportunity to qualify for the Semi-Finals on the line.
New Zealand vs Cook Islands: Thompson Swings Momentum for Kiwis
Front rower Leo Thompson made his presence known in New Zealand's 82-16 thumping of the Cook Islands in Christchurch on Sunday, leading the Haka before providing impact from the bench.
In one of the surprises of the tournament, the Aitu led 16-12 after 20 minutes thanks to some off-the-cuff magic before the bench reinforcements led by Thompson swung momentum for the Kiwis in a landslide victory.
In a solid 53-minute stint, Thompson averaged over ten metres per carry with 14 runs for 141 metres, with 51 of those post-contact, while he recorded 3 tackle breaks and an offload to boot.
In defence, he put in another strong shift with 18 tackles and just one miss for 94.75% efficiency as the Kiwis cruised to a 66-point win.
Thompson's attention will now turn to week three as the Kiwis host Fiji on the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon.
Australia vs Fiji: Preston Seals Win for Kangaroos
After an impressive debut in week one, Jacob Preston took the field from the interchange bench for Australia with Head Coach Kevin Walters employing a new-look lineup against Fiji.
The Kangaroos just scraped past a Bati side that at one point led in the second half, but it was Preston's first Test try that sealed the deal for the green and golds in the 76th minute.
2026 RLWC: Preston Scores His First Try for Australia
Not one to waste his time on the field, Preston had a productive 53-minute stint, racking up 79 metres from nine runs while making a trademark linebreak for his try and adding a linebreak assist too.
He pressed his claim for a starting side in Australia's upcoming match against the Cook Islands, making 25 tackles for 100% efficiency (no misses and no inneffective tackles).
Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton might have to look behind their shoulders as he also found himself with boot to ball, kicking for 16 metres in his one kick of the match.
Preston will be aiming to cement a starting spot when Australia host the Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday night.
Women's Results Week Two
Samoa vs Wales: Tagoai Touches Down in Samoa
Trio Monica Tagoai, Mary-Jane Taito and Leilani Wilson faced Tayla Preston's Wales, with Fetu Samoa coming away with a massive 76-nil win at CommBank Stadium.
After a tenacious performance in their opening match against Australia, the Samoans were determined to claim victory against Wales, and ran to a 40-nil lead at the break.
Tagoai crashed over in the 45th minute to extend the lead further, finishing the match with 138 metres from 11 runs and a linebreak to her name, as well as a tackle break and five tackles in another blockbuster performance at centre.
2026 RLWC: Tagoai Slides Over for Samoa
Taito was a constant threat with the ball in hand, setting up two linebreaks and a try, while adding 17 tackles at a 94.44% efficiency in just her second international appearance.
The ever-reliable Wilson kept the Welsh at bay with 160 metres from 14 runs, 62 of those being post-contact. Her presence in attack saw her make a whopping three linebreaks and a try assist, as well as five tackle breaks along with 17 tackles.
Preston also put in another brave performance in a side starved of possession, leading the charge with 11 kicks for 341 metres, while making eight tackles and making 27 receipts and playing the whole 70 minutes.
Samoa travel down to WIN Stadium in Wollongong to face England in the final pool matche, while Wales take on Australia on Sunday afternoon at CommBank Stadium.
Fiji vs Papua New Guinea: Smythe Strong as Fiji Impress
Latisha Smythe put in another strong performance for the Fiji Bulikula in their 40-4 victory over the PNG Orchids in Port Moresby.
Smythe got her side on the front foot early, punching out 91 metres from her 12 runs in a productive 56 minutes. The Greenacre Tigers junior kept the forward momentum going with three offloads, and starred in defence with a 100% efficiency from her 25 tackles.
Fiji now turn their attention to France as they take the field in the final pool game on Saturday on the Gold Coast.
New Zealand vs France: Tauaneai Tops Tackles in Record Rout
Alexis Tauaneai and Ashleigh Quinlan took the field for the New Zealand Ferns in their record 92-nil win over France in Christchurch on Sunday afternoon.
Tauaneai topped the Kiwis' tackle count with 14, and had a productive 35 minutes on the pitch with 122 metres from just 15 runs, as well as a linebreak assist and two offloads.
Meanwhile, Quinlan provided impact from the interchange bench in a 42-minute stint, deputising at hooker for 28 metres and a 100% tackle efficiency.
The Ferns will face the PNG Orchids on the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon.
