England vs Tonga Preview: Predictions for first rugby league test

Although most eyes in the world of rugby will be on France for the World Cup semi finals this weekend, on Sunday the thirteen man code has its day in the sun as England host the touring Tonga in the first of a three test series at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.

The teams look fairly evenly matched and a battle of two bruising packs looks on the agenda. Billy Grimshaw is excited for a dose of international rugby league and has a set of best bets for your consideration…

Sadly an all too familiar tale when it comes to international rugby league has played out once more before the commencement of this historic first ever test series between England and Tonga. A host of withdrawals due to suspect injuries by star names, as well as some defections to Australia in the Tonga camp, has wiped some of the shine off the three test tournament. Nevertheless, we should still be in for three full blooded games and the first test in St Helens on Sunday afternoon should set the tone nicely.

Tonga were the catalyst for the boom in Pacific Island nations teams recently, which of course culminated in Samoa making the World Cup final last year. Jason Taumalolo, widely regarded as one of the best forwards to ever play the game, switched allegiance and declared he and a host of other star players would represent Tonga over a bigger tier one nation like Australia and New Zealand. This meant foregoing financial gain to represent their heritage, a stance applauded the world over, and quickly Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and PNG have become forces on the international scene.

Unfortunately a host of big names from the Tongan side are not here and although their pack looks ferocious, I worry they may tire particularly with this first test being so soon after the domestic season finishes. Their team consists of a medley of Super League and NRL players and while England are not at full strength either, missing NRL stars Dom Young and Herbie Farnworth through injury while captain George Williams sits out with a suspension, the home side will be bang up for this and I'm expecting them to start fast as they did at the World Cup which could see Tonga blown away. The six point handicap line looks generous and I'm confident England will win this game by seven or more so that's where the staking plan will start.

Hull KR's young half back or full back Mikey Lewis looks set to be the beneficiary of Williams' suspension in the first few tests, as he is likely to be handed the number six jersey to partner Harry Smith in the halves. Lewis has improved markedly under the stewardship of Willie Peters at the Robins this season and while his defence is now dependable, he has lost none of his speed and elusiveness which makes him a real try scoring threat at any point in the game. Smith at scrum half should be first receiver most of the time and be the general of the England side, leaving Lewis and Welsby at full back free to sniff out overloads and opportunities.

I think England's pack will get on top of Tonga as the game progresses and that could lead to offloads a plenty, with Lewis one of Super League's best support players usually a grateful recipient or the next man ready to support and finish moves off. Another string to Lewis's try scoring bow is his strength, which belies his size. Near the Tongan line the confident Hull native will not shy away from throwing a big dummy and attempting to score himself, or indeed putting a grubber kick through with no notice and chasing it alone as a one man band.

Shaun Wane will not tolerate individualism in this England team but Mikey Lewis on debut will of course be itching to make a lasting impression in the white jersey, so I expect him to be desperate to score, assist and generally be involved in play as much as he can. 10/3 with bet365 looks a value play to round things off.