England open their World Cup campaign against Tonga at HBF Park on Saturday night, a crucial test for captain George Williams.
England are ranked third in the world, while Tonga are fifth. Only two of the six nations across Pools B and C will reach the semi-finals.
England's other pool opponents are France, ranked 11th, and Papua New Guinea, ranked sixth.
Williams is seeking redemption after England's 2022 home World Cup ended in a 27-26 semi-final loss to Samoa, sealed by Stephen Crichton's golden-point field goal.
"That was probably the worst loss of my career," Williams told AAP after training on Thursday.
His father Peter, who lives in Mandurah about 70km south of Perth, hoped Williams would join the Perth Bears before their 2027 debut.
"My dad was saying the same thing. He was hoping I was going over this way," Williams said, adding his father was only joking.
Williams instead left Warrington Wolves for a two-year deal with the Dolphins, returning to the NRL after previously playing for Canberra.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf also leads Tonga, Williams' opponents on Saturday.
"Tonga are stacked, NRL stars glittered throughout, so we know what's upon us," Williams said.
He said England had confidence and a mix of NRL experience and youth.