England's Rugby League World Cup Campaign Faces Early Exit

England's men's and women's rugby league teams faced disappointing outcomes at the World Cup, with both likely to miss the semi-finals for the first time in history. The men's team, despite a 34-12 victory over Papua New Guinea, required a much larger margin to advance, while the women lost 24-6 to Samoa, ending their hopes of progressing.

The men's campaign was marred by injuries and logistical issues, including a challenging travel schedule that left players exhausted before crucial matches. Head coach Brian McDermott, appointed just six months prior, struggled to prepare the team adequately, relying on virtual meetings and limited on-field training sessions.

In contrast, the women's team, featuring a younger squad, faced tough competition against seasoned teams like Australia and Samoa. Head coach Stuart Barrow acknowledged the need for increased investment in women's rugby league in England to keep pace with the rapidly developing game in the southern hemisphere.