The marketing gurus had hyped this autumn series between England and Samoa as a chance for revenge, given the shock defeat in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final two years ago. However, the reality is that this two-match series is more about looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup rather than dwelling on the past. This match was another positive step for a largely unchanged England squad that will compete in Australia in two years.
The hosts were too strong for the visiting Samoans, who trailed 16-6 at halftime and must win in Leeds next weekend to level the series. Samoa, with its roster of National Rugby League stars, also has aspirations for the 2026 World Cup after reaching the final in England two years ago. However, tensions from the past were still evident, with Samoa's Siva Tau war dance leading to a pre-match confrontation between Hull KR's Mikey Lewis and Manly Sea Eagles' Gordon Chan Kum Tong.
Once the action started, England dominated. Led by an impressive performance from captain George Williams, England showcased a lot of potential, even if head coach Shaun Wane's post-match assessment was not entirely positive. "We need to be better if I'm honest," Wane said. "That performance wouldn't trouble Australia. We know what we need to fix as a group, staff and players. But it would mean everything to me to make it 2-0 next week."
English rugby league has often been marred by World Cup disappointments followed by four years of rebuilding optimism. Wane hopes this young, talented group can break that cycle in 2026 in Australia after falling short on home soil in 2022. Williams was instrumental, setting up two of the three first-half tries and scoring the other. "He's brilliant," Wane said of the captain. "He can do better though, he's heard that about 500 times from me in his career but it's because I know what he's capable of."
Williams' decisive pass led to Herbie Farnworth's early try, and a stunning long pass from Williams created space for Matty Ashton to score, making it 10-0. Williams then scored a third try, putting England in complete control. Samoa reduced the deficit with Deine Mariner's interception, but England continued to dominate in the second half, scoring a spectacular try through Victor Radley. Samoa threatened most in chaotic moments, with Mariner scoring his second after Jarome Luai's disruption. Despite Samoa's late interception, this was England's day, marking another significant step towards the 2026 World Cup.
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