Robins At The World Cup

Five Robins will represent their nations at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicking off later this month in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten have been called up to the England squad once again, while Jordan Dezaria and Arthur Mourgue have been selected for France.

Rhyse Martin makes up the Hull KR contingent at the tournament, finishing an illustrious rugby league career with the Papua New Guinea international team after announcing his retirement following the end of the 2026 Super League campaign.

The World Cup officially kicks off on Thursday 15th October with a showpiece opener between current holders Australia and New Zealand in Sydney.

Mikey Lewis celebrates scoring against Tonga in 2023.

Brian McDermott’s England side, semi-finalists in 2021, begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga, before Lewis and Litten go head to head with their Hull KR teammates in games against France and PNG.

After making a stunning international debut against Tonga in 2023, Lewis has gone on to make eight appearances for England. He featured alongside Litten in last year’s Ashes against Australia, where the hooker impressed in the final test producing one of the moments of the series with his break and assist for George Williams’ try at Headingley.

Jez Litten makes a break against Australia in the 2025 Ashes Series.

France’s first fixture sees them take on Samoa, a tough opening test for Dezaria and Mourgue, before facing England and Lebanon, while PNG’s campaign sees them play Lebanon, Samoa and then England.

Rhyse Martin is the Robins’ most experienced representative on the world stage, capped for the Kumuls on 21 occasions over a 13-year international career.

Rhyse Martin in action at Craven Park in 2026.

Mourgue has eight senior caps for France going into the World Cup, while teammate Dezaria has featured for Les Bleus six times.

Schedule

England - Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten

Round 1 - vs Tonga - 10:05am, Saturday 17th October - HBF Park, Perth

Round 2 - vs France - 7:35am, Saturday 24th October - HBF Park, Perth

Round 3 - vs Papua New Guinea - 9:05am, Friday 30th October - WIN Stadium, Wollongong

France - Jordan Dezaria and Arthur Mourgue

Round 1 - vs Samoa - 7:45am, Friday 16th October - CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Round 2 - vs England - 7:35am, Saturday 24th October - HBF Park, Perth

Round 3 - vs Lebanon - 6:40am, Sunday 1st November - CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Papua New Guinea - Rhyse Martin

Round 1 - vs Lebanon - 5:25am, Saturday 17th October - Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Round 2 - vs Samoa - 5:25am, Saturday 24th October - Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby

Round 3 - vs England - 9:05am, Friday 30th October - WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Semi-Finals

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November

Final

Sunday 15th November

How to watch

Premier Sports will broadcast every match from the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair Rugby League World Cups live across the UK, including every England fixture.