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Tonga vs Lebanon: kick-off time, teams, and the cousin showdown

Rugby League World Cup

Tonga vs Lebanon tonight

Tonga face Lebanon at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. Kick-off is 8.05pm AEDT.

Team news

The injury blow

Star halfback Isaiya Katoa is out with an ankle injury. Latu Fainu starts in his place.

Round one

Tonga's dream start

Tonga beat England 30-12 last week. It was their first ever win over England.

Round one

Lebanon's rough start

Lebanon lost 42-18 to Papua New Guinea. They need a big lift tonight.

History

The 2017 thriller

The sides have met once before. Tonga won 24-22 in the 2017 quarter-final.

Family rivalry

The cousin showdown

Lehi Hopoate plays fullback for Tonga. His cousins Tony and Tupou Francis play for Lebanon.

Family rivalry

The warning

Tony Francis told his cousin: I am going to take his head off.

Family rivalry

Lehi's reply

Lehi Hopoate laughed it off. I am sure it is going to be fun, he said.

Family rivalry

An emotional debut

Tupou Francis made his Lebanon debut last week. His father presented the jersey. He cried.

Family rivalry

The family bond

John Hopoate is Lehi's father and the brothers' uncle. He raised all three in the game.

Team news

Tonga's reshuffle

Tui Lolohea starts at five-eighth. Taumalolo moves to lock. Tyson Frizell rests.

Full explainer

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Team news, the cousin showdown, and what comes next. Tap to read the full story.

Sports

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