The opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup saw Pacific island nations deliver significant upsets, indicating their increasing strength in the competition. Tonga defeated England in a closely contested match, while Samoa decisively crushed France. While Australia managed a narrow victory in their opening match, the results from Tonga and Samoa unequivocally demonstrate the rising prominence of Pacific island teams. These wins suggest the traditional powerhouses in rugby league should now take the Pacific nations very seriously. This early stage of the tournament highlights a potentially more competitive World Cup than previously anticipated. The games have shaken up expectations and established these island nations as genuine contenders.