League

Chelsea have warned staff to be careful about inadvertently revealing team news through Fantasy Premier League after Joao Pedro’s injury appeared to have been disclosed through team selections.

An email was sent to staff reminding them of the potential consequences of using inside information when playing Fantasy Premier League or other public gaming platforms, where team selection choices could reveal which players are unavailable or close to returning.

It followed leaks before the 2-0 home defeat by Tottenham, when Pedro was a surprise absentee because of what has since emerged to be a quad injury.

Several influential Fantasy Premier League content creators claimed to have seen evidence that forward Morgan Rogers, along with several members of Chelsea staff, had removed Pedro from their Fantasy Premier League teams before kick-off at Stamford Bridge, despite no club announcement having been made about his injury.

Asked about the matter by BBC Sport after the defeat, Xabi Alonso said he was unaware of the situation. He replied: “I am not into the fantasy team thing, so I didn’t know that.”

Since joining Chelsea in the summer, Alonso, 44, has generally been guarded when discussing injury issues in media conferences.

Chelsea have also previously experienced problems with leaks.

During former manager Liam Rosenior’s four-month spell in charge last season, team selections were leaked before both legs of the club’s Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain.

It also later emerged former defender Marc Cucurella’s barber had revealed on social media that Pedro and Cole Palmer would miss a trip to Brighton last season after discussing the matter with his client.

With regard to Fantasy Premier League, no further restrictions are expected because Chelsea regard the incident as an isolated case that can be managed through greater awareness among players and staff.

There have been many further examples, claiming to suggest players from clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Leicester and Newcastle made revealing changes to their teams, while BBC Sport has identified accounts believed by Fantasy Premier League trackers to be linked to high-profile players and figures at clubs across the division.

The highest-profile example was arguably the revelation of then Aston Villa forward Jack Grealish’s omission from the squad before a match against Leicester City in February 2021.

Then Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers later said he had been aware of rumours surrounding Grealish’s injury absence before the match, which his side won.

More than 11 million people are said to play Fantasy Premier League, which has become an increasingly prominent part of the wider football ecosystem.

Although there are strict rules prohibiting gambling, the Premier League offers no specific guidance to clubs on how, or whether, those involved in the game should participate in Fantasy Premier League.

Instead, it is generally treated as a matter for individual clubs to manage themselves.

The tournament debutants put pressure on the Australia line from the start. Soon the entire Aussie team caught the bug with simple drops and brainless errors, and after 12 minutes Simaima Taufa conceded a penalty under the posts.

Fiji opted to kick for two points. Four minutes later, they went all the way.

Captain Sereana Naitokatoka stole the ball from Jaime Chapman 10 metres from the Australia line, and they drove through the defence for half-back Luisa Yaranamua to score. She also converted to give Fiji an astonishing 8-0 lead.

At last Australia sparked into life, and two tries in the final 10 minutes of the opening half brought them level.

Church drove over in the right corner, before Tamika Upton slipped through the defence as Australia returned pressure following a Fiji drop-out.

But Jocelyn Kelleher missed twice from the tee to allow Fiji in at half-time level. Had Upton not brilliantly tipped a Fiji grubber behind, Australia would have trailed.

Whatever coach Jess Skinner said in the changing room woke Australia up, and they took control.

Church completed her treble – the third a brilliant catch from a booming Tarryn Aiken kick to the corner and before grounding the ball at full tilt – either side of Chapman diving over.

Normal service resumed. But at last, the Jillaroos have been proved fallible – with a late Maria Paseka try providing a deserved flourish for fearless Fiji.

Church, though, had the last word for Australia – collecting Losana Lutu’s kick around 30 metres from her own line before racing clear to score.

SANDY, Utah — Sergi Solans and Zach Booth scored early and Real Salt Lake clinched a playoff spot while eliminating the Galaxy with a 2-1 victory Saturday.

Real Salt Lake (13-15-6) snags the ninth and final postseason berth in the Western Conference and will travel to Seattle for a wild-card matchup with the Sounders. The winner will square off against the top-seeded Vancouver Whitecaps in the best-of-three first round.

The Galaxy (11-12-11) have missed the past two postseasons after winning the MLS Cup in 2024.

Solans and Booth scored three minutes apart to give Real Salt Lake a 2-0 lead in the 13th minute.

Solans used assists from Noel Caliskan and defender Philip Quinton in the 10th minute to score for the 14th time in his first season in the league. Nine of Caliskan’s 11 career assists and all three of Quinton’s have come this year.

Booth scored unassisted three minutes later for a 2-0 lead. It was the first goal for the 22-year-old rookie midfielder in his 18th appearance and seventh start.

The Galaxy cut it to 2-1 in the 40th minute thanks to an own goal by Real Salt Lake defender Luc de Fougerolles, making his seventh appearance in the league.

Rafael Cabral totaled one save for Real Salt Lake.

JT Marcinkowski saved six shots for the Galaxy.

Playing with black protective bandaging taped to his left forearm, Ponga was directly involved in four of New Zealand’s six tries. His fancy footwork and slick handling setting up scores for Briton Nikora, Casey McLean and Xavier Willison.

He largely dominated the contest with opposite number Lehi Hopoate, notably clearing out the full-back as he fumbled a grubber kick in Tonga’s in-goal area for New Zealand’s second try, scored by Dane Gagai.

In defence, a bruising try-saving block on Demitric Vaimauga indicated no cause for concern about his wounded wing.

“Obviously a freak of a player,” said Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris. “The defensive mindset he had tonight, he saved a couple of tries. That’s what I love about KP.

“He’s a freak of nature. His leadership skills are underrated. He’s really good for us, our spine especially.”

But while it was undoubtedly the Ponga show at the home of his NRL side Newcastle Knights, New Zealand are not just a one-man band.

Gagai sparked the counter-attack for McLean’s try by forcing a knock-on around halfway. Jahrome Hughes added directness with his carries and when putting boot to ball. Dead-eye kicker Jamayne Isaako mastered fierce winds to kick five out of six conversions, curling two over from the left touchline, to take his tally for the tournament to 36 from 38 attempts.

Asked if this was New Zealand’s best shot at adding a second title to their 2008 triumph, Fisher-Harris paused before replying: “Yes.”

“We’re just trying to chase history,” he added. “We’ve only done it once but we’ve been building with this squad, this generation, for the past six or seven years.”

New Zealand (12) 34

Tries: Nikora, Gagai, McLean, Hughes, Willison, Nicoll-Klokstad Goals: Isaako 5

Tonga (10) 10

Tries: Fifita 2 Goals: Katoa

Just 23 days after breaking his arm, Kalyn Ponga returned to inspire New Zealand to a 34-10 victory in a pulsating encounter with Tonga as they reached their first World Cup final since 2013.

Ponga had been named initially in reserve and then as one of the interchange players in the build-up to this contest – and the expectation was that he would be eased back into action and play a limited role.

Instead, head coach Stacey Jones stunned many with his decision to include Ponga in New Zealand’s starting 13 but was repaid in full as the Newcastle Knights talisman starred on home turf at the McDonald Jones Stadium, in New South Wales,

Ponga’s impact from full-back was almost immediate as he sent Briton Nikora over in the right corner inside four minutes.

He was also involved in the Kiwis’ second try of the game – as his contest with his opposite number Lehi Hopoate was crucial to Dane Gagai grounding the ball.

And while the swirling wind made conditions almost unplayable at times, he repeatedly gathered high kicks and made several telling defensive contributions.

One of those included throwing himself in the way of Tonga’s juggernaut second row Demitric Vaimauga to prevent a certain try, while his ability to stall Hopoate’s run and prevent him from offloading to Isaiya Katoa stopped another at a key stage with New Zealand only 12-10 ahead.

The prelude to this fixture was almost every bit as gripping as the main event.

Tonga’s traditional war dance, the Sipi Tau, was met by New Zealand’s Haka and a long stand-off between the players provided the perfect backdrop to a contest brimming with athleticism, power and superb ball-handling skills.

For the second week running, Tonga fans turned out in force with the stands a sea of red.

And they witnessed their side’s participation in a wonderful advert for rugby league with Jojo Fifita scoring two excellent tries.

However, the match ultimately swung away from them in a five-minute period after the break when New Zealand’s outstanding centre Casey McLean surged over in the left corner and the wily Jahrome Hughes darted in to score.

On this occasion, Kristian Woolf’s team, who effectively torpedoed England’s hopes of reaching the last four with a 30-12 in their opening match on 17 October, were unable to stage the same sort of fightback that helped them defeat their Pacific Island rivals Samoa last weekend.

With the scoreboard, time and a gale-force wind against Tonga, Xavier Willison punished them further when they failed to gather a short drop out.

And when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad superbly grounded Erin Clark’s kick, it put the gloss on a fine New Zealand performance.

New Zealand (8) 32

Tries: Wiki, Waaka 3, Hufanga, Atai, McGregor Goals: Kiria-Ratu 2

Samoa (0) 0

New Zealand’s women will hope it is fourth time lucky after defeating Samoa 32-0 to reach next Sunday’s Rugby League World Cup final.

It will be the Kiwi Ferns’ seventh successive appearance in the showpiece match, but having won the first three between 2000-2008, three trips to the final since then have all ended in heartache.

Three consecutive losses to Australia included a blowout 54-4 scoreline four years ago at Old Trafford and unless debutants Fiji spring one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history in the other semi-final, the Jillaroos are likely to again provide the substantial obstacle to New Zealand becoming four-time champions.

However, on Saturday, New Zealand made light of the blustery and difficult conditions inside Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, in New South Wales, to make their case as potential winners.

Mackenzie Wiki’s try – less than two minutes into proceedings, off the back of a Samoa error – set the tone for the Kiwi Ferns.

As the storm clouds began to gather overhead, New Zealand’s dual-code international Stacey Waaka capitalised on some indecision from Samoa winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala to collect and ground Raecene McGregor’s kick.

It was efficient and highly professional from New Zealand, who conceded just 24 points across their three group games and once again exhibited their defensive parsimony during a hard-fought first period.

A combination of that and Samoa’s inability to make the most of field position, with a smattering of handling errors thrown in as well, laid the platform for New Zealand’s triumph.

There were notable bright spots for the Samoa fans to enjoy.

Fanua Rimoni was a powerful and dominant presence at lock forward, while teenage winger Anastasia Leatupue produced a nerveless showing on her international bow.

Samoa’s biggest disappointment was that they could not get the ball into the hands of the 18-year-old in good attacking positions – with Pauline Piliae-Rasabale twice pulled up for forward passes on the right edge in an error-strewn display.

But just like in the first 35 minutes, they had no answer to New Zealand’s more potent attacking threat.

Waaka was again the beneficiary of a pinpoint McGregor kick as she crossed for her second try and Mele Hufanga held off the attentions of three Samoa defenders tfor her score.

It was a feat that was matched by Kaiyah Atai just over two minutes later as New Zealand went through the gears.

With Samoa’s resistance gradually waning, Waaka capped a fine individual display with her hat-trick and McGregor scored the try her performance richly deserved to round off a fine New Zealand display.

Unrivaled will tip off its third season with a coast-to-coast event on Jan. 8 at Intuit Dome, featuring a doubleheader.

Opening night in Los Angeles will begin at 7 p.m. with a matchup between the league’s first two MVPs, as Napheesa Collier and Lunar Owls BC go up against Chelsea Gray and Rose BC. The second game of the night will feature newly crowned WNBA champion Gabby Williams, the Sparks’ Cameron Brink and Hive BC going against Jackie Young and Laces BC.

“Opening our third season in Los Angeles at Intuit Dome is a significant milestone for Unrivaled and reflects how far the league has come in just two years,” said Unrivaled president and CEO Alex Bazzell. “With our expanded roster of talent and a coast-to-coast opening night, we’re excited to introduce even more fans across Los Angeles to the competition and player experience that make Unrivaled unique.”

Before the games at Intuit Dome, Unrivaled will start the season in Boston with a rematch of last season’s final, as the defending champion Mist take on Phantom. The opening game will be followed by Vinyl vs. Breeze.

The rest of the season will be played as part of an eight-city tour, including stops at the league’s home base, Sephora Arena in Miami, as well as Detroit and San Francisco on Jan. 11, Brooklyn on Jan. 22, Minneapolis on Jan. 24, Houston on Feb. 12 and Philadelphia on Feb. 15.

Unrivaled began touring the country during its second season, starting with a historic soldout game at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The league also held its semifinal games before another sellout crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Three-on-three basketball made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, where the United States took home the gold medal. Germany won the top prize at the Paris Summer Olympics. Unrivaled has maintained the three-on-three approach, but it is played on a condensed full court rather than the Olympic halfcourt format.

The league features WNBA stars such as Kelsey Plum of the Phoenix Mercury, Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings and Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo.

Games will be televised on TNT, truTV and HBO Max.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor says Lauren James will be out for at least the next few weeks, casting doubt on her availability for England’s World Cup qualifying play-off matches.

The 25-year-old will miss at least the next five matches for the Blues, including Everton’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday and a crucial match against champions Manchester City next weekend.

It also casts doubt on her chances of being available for England’s World Cup qualifying play-off matches against Ukraine in December.

After James came off in distress in the 35th minute of the 6-0 win over Charlton Athletic, Bompastor confirmed the injury: “The only one who will be missing is LJ.

“She had a scan and she has an injury in her hamstring, so we won’t see her until the end of this block.”

There was more positive news for Chelsea, with midfielder Lexi Potter, who made her England debut last month, back after missing the trip to Charlton.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are top of the WSL table having won matches both with and without James this season.

Bompastor added: “Of course we know how good Lauren is for us and for the team.

“Also, my job is to make sure I find solutions when some players are not available and not playing for the team. I think the good thing is that when I looked at some of the statistics from last week, we are a team who are able to score through different players.

“The last game we had against Charlton, a lot of players were involved in scoring again. Also, I think every player on the pitch had a shot on goal.

“Even if it was not always a great one, at least all of the players who were on the pitch had a shot on goal. I think that’s a good thing and, again, my job now is to make sure I find the solutions without LJ on the pitch.”

Third-year guard Bronny James and rookie guard Cameron Carr have been assigned to G League Coachella Valley, the Lakers announced Thursday.

James, who is the third year of a four-year contract worth $7.9 million ($4.4 million guaranteed), played only 12 minutes this season across five games, scoring four points on two-of-three shooting while missing his only three-pointer.

Carr, who was the 24th overall draft pick this summer, has played only four minutes in three games, missing the only shot he took.

James has played in 74 games during his young career, including 42 last season when he averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists in 8.9 minutes.

The Lakers moved their G League affiliate to Coachella Valley, where they will open the season Friday at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert against Salt Lake City.

Angel City heads into this weekend’s NWSL playoffs with the youngest starting lineup in the league. And with a 10-game unbeaten streak, it has the hottest team in the league as well.

On Thursday, that team got a little younger and potentially a bit better when it announced the signing of 17-year-old Maddie DiMaria, the leading scorer in the U-17 women’s World Cup. Financial terms of the four-year deal were not released.

“This person is special,” sporting director Mark Parsons said of DiMaria, who signed with Angel City before scoring 12 goals in four games in the age-group World Cup. “But she also represents what Angel City football is about and what Angel City is trying to do over the so many years, which is win.

“And she’s a winner.”

Maddie DiMaria, second from right, accepts the Gatorade National Players of the Year award during the ESPY Awards in July.

(Mike Coppola / Getty Images)

A two-time Gatorade girls’ national soccer player of the year, DiMaria scored 24 times in 23 appearances with the U-17 team, with her 12 goals in Morocco breaking Michelle Akers’ 35-year-old American record for most goals in a World Cup. Before graduating from Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, she scored 67 goals and had 25 assists as a junior, leading her team to a 25-0 season and a state championship.

Her father, Jeff DiMaria, played briefly for the Colorado Rapids in MLS and her mother, Sara, played college soccer, as did both of her older siblings. DiMaria trained with Angel City for a week this summer and Parsons, who has been scouting her for nearly two years, said the team was impressed by what it saw.

“She had a big impact,” Parsons said. “Not just on the field by being super fun and talented, but as a senior player [told] me, ‘we love Maddie. She’s got great vibes. We really liked her as a person.’”

Angel City (15-8-7), which set franchise records for wins, goals, points and goal differential this season, makes its second appearance in the NWSL playoffs Saturday when it travels to Kansas City to meet the Current in the quarterfinals.

Porto score three goals in the final 20 minutes of the game to pull away and seal a comfortable victory against Napoli, who are unable to match their Portuguese opponents in the second half.

MATCH REPORT: Champions League – Porto 4-1 Napoli

Available to UK users only.

LIV Golf has provided one of the most tumultuous episodes in the history of golf since its launch in 2021, one which threatened to tear the sport apart.

High-profile players joined and were banned from other tours, as well as events such as the Ryder Cup.

More than $5bn (£3.7bn) was spent by PIF, with major winners including Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau lured by lucrative contracts and vast prize money.

But the future of the concept – and its star players – has been shrouded in uncertainty this year after the 2026 season ended early. An event in August in Indianapolis proved to be the last.

When PIF announced it was withdrawing its funding in April, LIV announced a “strategic evolution” – including a newly established independent board – and attempted to find replacement financial investors.

The exodus of players continued, however, including the exits of Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell. When Rahm left it was reported he was owed about $100m (£75m) from the remainder of the contract.

The European tour, which is sponsored by DP World, had also increased pressure on players when it announced last month that those who signed up to LIV Golf next season would not be allowed to be members of the European tour in 2027.

That would have also spelled an end to any players with ambitions of featuring in the Ryder Cup as only DP World Tour members can play for Europe in the biennial team competition.

Speaking this week, Lee Westwood, one of the most high-profile players to join LIV when it first began in 2022, said the proposed revamp still had potential to thrive but added “there hasn’t been anything presented to me that is agreeable for LIV 2.0”.

DeChambeau, who had not revealed his future plans, said he hopes the league “exists forever”, while former Taylor Made and Adidas executive Mark King was appointed as a senior adviser last week.

A loose deadline for LIV to confirm its players for 2027 had been set for last Sunday – a point which, having now passed, appears to be drawing the saga to an end.

Champions League analyst Stephen Warnock and Guillem Balague believe Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses combined with the experimentation of playing Bradley Barcola up front, highlight Andoni Iraola’s team are still trying to find their identity following a 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce in the Champions League.

READ MORE: Another ‘miracle’ in Istanbul – but this one hurt Liverpool

Available to UK users only.

Fans of Spanish football club CD Tenerife gathered outside the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez in Santa Cruz de Tenerife as tributes poured in for forward Jesus de Miguel, who died after an on-field collision.

De Miguel died on Tuesday from injuries sustained in a clash with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Spanish second-division match, leaving Spanish and European football in mourning.

Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui told the Spanish news agency EFE that criminal charges were unlikely because the collision happened in the course of play.

Tributes were held before Champions League fixtures on Tuesday, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal opting not to play the competition’s anthem before kickoff in honour of De Miguel, 30, who went into cardiac arrest after being struck in the chest.

Moments of silence were observed in those stadiums and others across Europe, including at Old Trafford, where Manchester United were playing Roma. Images of De Miguel were shown on giant screens inside the grounds.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and midfielder Mikel Merino also began their news conferences on the eve of Wednesday’s match against Slavia Prague by paying tribute to De Miguel.

Arguably the greatest comeback of all, this one is so iconic that it has its very own title in France and Spain – La Remontada (The Comeback).

PSG were clinical at home, winning 4-0, but the Nou Camp sensed something special when Luis Suarez scored after just three minutes in the second leg.

Barcelona were two goals to the good at the break courtesy of a Layvin Kurzawa own goal, but still trailed by two goals on aggregate.

Lionel Messi scored a penalty soon after the restart but Edinson Cavani hit back to silence the home faithful, although it wasn’t the pendulum-swinging moment PSG hoped for.

Barcelona, now trailing 5-3, needed three goals in fewer than 30 minutes to achieve a miracle. Neymar scored a free-kick in the 88th minute to offer further hope, before the Brazilian stroked home a 91st-minute penalty to level the tie at 5-5 on aggregate.

But PSG were still heading through on away goals.

Then, with 20 seconds of added time remaining, La Remontada came to fruition when Sergi Roberto turned home Neymar’s chipped pass, with Barcelona becoming the only team in history to overturn a four-goal Champions League deficit.

The new head of English rugby league has backed a call for Prime Minister Andy Burnham to approve a £30m five-year community funding plan for the sport.

Former England international Jon Wilkin has appealed directly to Burnham and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, both rugby league fans, to pledge government money to a rugby league-based social impact project.

Ian Nolan, the new chief executive of the Rugby Football League, has supported Wilkin’s plea, issued on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Rugby League show on Monday.

Wilkin wants Burnham and Nandy to follow the lead of Australia’s government, which in July announced it was committing A$250m (£130m), external over 10 years to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership.

That initiative is designed to help create sporting, educational and employment opportunities in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, and is being led by the Australian Rugby League Commission – the country’s rugby league governing body.

Wilkin has argued that a similar plan for the north of England would benefit deprived communities.

He said: “Australia has recognised rugby league’s potential as a vehicle for social change, committing hundreds of millions to developing communities, especially across the Pacific. Why shouldn’t Britain show the same ambition for the north?

“The infrastructure already exists, the clubs, the foundations, the school and community relationships are already well established. What’s missing is a coordinated strategy and meaningful government investment.

“The ask would be simple: For the government to establish a £30m five-year Northern Rugby League social impact partnership, bringing together the RFL, professional clubs, community foundations, local authorities and government departments.

“The programme would target disadvantaged northern communities.”

Nolan, a former Manchester United executive who took up his role with the RFL on 1 October, suggested the social benefits of such an initiative would be felt more quickly because rugby league clubs are already established in their communities.

“When the government normally invest in community hubs and new things to generate something, they tend to be brand new,” he said. “And it’s really difficult then to attract people to go there because it’s a new habit, it’s a new place.

“But rugby clubs are already established in the most deprived towns in the UK. And that’s the difference. People already go there. Families already rely on them for even just moving around.”

BBC Sport has contacted the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for comment.

Last week, player Rob Hawkins said England “were not playing to our standards” in their opening 98-18 win over Wales and rated the team five out of 10.

Asked how he would rate England’s showing against the USA, Billington told Premier Sports: “At least a seven. All week, we have been banging on about playing the way we want to play, and the boys really stuck to their principles.

“I’m over the moon for the guys to put on such senior performances.”

Finlay O’Neill was named player of the match as he recorded 38 points, with two tries and 15 conversions.

“It was a good team effort, not just myself,” O’Neill said. “We talked about how we could improve, and I think we did that.

“We need to take the positives – [there are a] few areas to work on but I think we can be very happy with that performance.”

The four semi-finalists have now been set, with the final group games to decide who faces who in the knockouts.

In Pool A, Ireland ensured they will qualify alongside England with a 68-28 victory over Wales.

Ireland, who are ranked third in the world, will face the English in their final group game on Friday in Wollongong (06:00 GMT).

In Pool A, two-time champions France and hosts Australia both booked their passages through while scoring triple figures.

France, who were losing finalists against England in 2022, thrashed New Zealand 120-10.

Australia beat Scotland 104-24, and will play the French on Friday to determine the pool winners.

Scotland, New Zealand, Wales and USA all go into a ranking competition to determine fifth through to eighth place.

Wales will face USA in Pool A on Friday, while Scotland play New Zealand.

Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle takes issue with referee John Brooks’ decision not to call a “clear foul” on Fabian Schar in the build-up to Thierno Barry’s goal in their loss to Everton in the Premier League.

MATCH REPORT: Premier League – Newcastle United 0-1 Everton

Available to UK users only.

In some ways, wheelchair rugby league is the same as the running game. Teams of five players have six tackles to score. Tackles on the ball carrier are made by pulling off a tag attached to each player’s shirt. A try scores four points, with two points for penalties and conversions, which are taken by punching the ball off a tee over the posts.

The game is played with an oval ball and lasts for 80 minutes, with a maximum of two non-disabled and three disabled players allowed on the field at any one time.

But unlike the running game, the balance of power lies not in Australia and the Pacific Islands, but firmly in Europe.

England’s main title rivals are France. The old enemies have met in the past three finals, the French winning in 2013 and 2017 before being beaten 28-24 in Manchester four years ago.

Ireland, ranked third in the world, are also genuine contenders and began their World Cup campaign by thrashing the USA 110-10.

But Australia, who are hosting every match in Wollongong, have their strongest ever squad and thumped New Zealand 112-14 in their Group B opener. An Australian sweep of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, all taking place concurrently, for the first time by any nation is not out of the question.

Bayley McKenna is their first non-disabled captain, having picked up the sport in 2006 to support his father, who was paralysed in an accident.

McKenna is far from the only non-disabled person in this tournament – England’s Brown is too, he likewise entered the sport alongside a disabled family member, his brother.

Non-disabled players are crucial to the sport’s survival, helping teams fill their squads and boost interest. But McKenna was targeted by social media abuse during the last World Cup by those who thought he shouldn’t be playing in a wheelchair sport.

“I would have copped about a dozen messages from people all around the world saying, ‘you’re a fraud, you shouldn’t even be in the chair, this is a sport for disabled people’,” he told ABC, external.

“These guys were coming at me, like, ‘you’re lucky you’re not out there on the street by yourself’.

“There is such a stigma around able-bodied athletes playing in wheelchairs. It is ridiculous. I’d be lying to you if I said I was going into this World Cup not expecting it.”

Australia gave England a couple of good games in a two-match Test series last year, indicating the big two in wheelchair rugby league may not be so exclusive for long.

So don’t turn away, England fans. The Rugby League World Cup has plenty left to give.

BBC Sport’s Kelly Cates, Danny Murphy and Micah Richards discuss Liverpool’s denied penalty claim for a pull on Alexander Isak’s shirt by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber and whether the Reds can feel hard done by.

MATCH REPORT: Premier League – Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal

Available to UK users only.

BBC Sport’s Kelly Cates and Micah Richards discuss how rounded Declan Rice has become in Arsenal’s midfield, while Danny Murphy argues that if he was more selfish he would score more goals.

MATCH REPORT: Premier League – Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal

Available to UK users only.