Tonga and Samoa fansImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Tonga and Samoa met in front of a colourful and fervent crowd in Sydney on Sunday

ByEmma SmithBBC Sport journalist

With blow out wins and a convoluted format, the men's group stage at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup did little to dissuade cynics about the unhealthy state of the international game.

From Group A, Australia and New Zealand came through as expected and are widely tipped to face off in the final on 15 November.

But from the strange lands of Group B-C, two beacons of hope have emerged. Tonga will face New Zealand after winning all three group matches, before Samoa face Australia in a repeat of the 2022 final.