England will welcome their underdog label as they prepare to face a formidable Tonga outfit in the Rugby League World Cup opener in Perth on Saturday, according to captain George Williams.

The sides met in a tough three-match Test series three years ago that England won 3-0, and they also prevailed in a tense World Cup semi-final in Auckland back in 2017.

England have already lost Morgan Smithies to injury and made a late adjustment to their starting lineup, with Luke Thompson stepping in for Morgan Knowles.

With humidity levels forecast above 60 percent at HBF Park, Williams anticipates a stern test against a Tonga side that has grown stronger since 2023 and features numerous NRL stars.

Williams highlights Tonga threat

"Tonga are a stacked team. They have been for a few years now," Williams said. "We'll be underdogs but we'll quite like that kind of brush on our head and we'll bring our game tomorrow night against a great team."

He noted the different conditions Down Under compared with home matches in cold weather. "I think it's always different over here as well, with the heat and different conditions. It helps when you drag them to Leeds and it's minus two or whatever it normally is in November."

"We're looking forward to the challenge. They are stacked full of world-class players who play across the NRL, so we know what we are in for, but we are fully prepared and ready."

England seek fresh attacking approach

England's recent World Cup record includes narrow defeats, such as a golden-point loss to Samoa in 2022 and a 6-0 final defeat by Australia in 2017. Williams, 31, believes past setbacks can fuel motivation rather than hinder the current squad under head coach Brian McDermott.

"I don't think it hinders us. Some of the lads were talking about the last World Cup and it was probably one of the most difficult losses of my career to date," he added. "It does sit there. You can't hide away from what happened but what it can do is give you drive and motivation."

England aim to display a new attacking edge after McDermott took over following the Ashes series. Williams said the group has embraced the changes. "It's definitely been different. I'm not going to tell you all the tricks and what we're up to and what we're talking about, but it has been different and it's been enjoyable."

Women's side begins campaign

England's women open their World Cup campaign against Wales in Perth just before the men's match. Captain Jodie Cunningham, named on the bench, expects a competitive encounter despite past heavy wins over the same opponents.

"I've seen Paige Travis and Dani McGifford and my team-mates at St Helens. I know all their strengths and how fantastic they are," Cunningham said. "Hopefully we come out on top."