In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from the opening week of the Rugby League World Cup.

The pair react to England’s disappointing defeat to Tonga, analysing what went wrong and where Brian McDermott’s side fell short. They also question whether the structure of the tournament has already left England with a mountain to climb and what they now need to do to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Martyn and Jake also discuss Brian McDermott’s decision to make no changes to his line-up for this weekend and whether sticking with the same side is the right response following the opening-round defeat.

They then turn their attention to the blockbuster clash between Australia and New Zealand, as well as Samoa’s huge victory over France. With Kalyn Ponga suffering an injury, they assess what his absence could mean for the Kiwis and their chances of going all the way in the tournament.

Away from the World Cup, Martyn and Jake provide the latest on the ongoing NRL–RFL negotiations and discuss what the talks could mean for the future relationship between the NRL and the British game.

Finally, they look ahead to Week Two of the Rugby League World Cup, previewing the key matches and what is at stake as the tournament begins to take shape.