Rugby League World Cup

Australia's legendary coach knows the expectations that come with any Kangaroos campaign. The 11-time champions have won their last 12 matches at the tournament ...

They’re all on board, all want to put on the green and gold jersey and all want to play to their potential. We’re a confident team and I believe that with confidence, keeping your feet on the ground and head out of the clouds and working hard, we’ll head toward success. "I think understanding your past is very important to moving forward in your future. "We’ve handled pressure and expectation for a long, long time. "We've nearly exhausted everything at home so we've got to find a new space. I encouraged players to make their mind up with who they wanted to play for, what nation they were passionate about.

England kick off the 2021 Rugby League World Cup against Samoa on Saturday and we take a look at some talking points and team news ahead of the clash in ...

"The boys have gelled quite well but, knowing we haven't played a lot of footy together, it's all about building that connection. "England played a trial match while our boys were all on a plane. It's massive and it's going to be a great atmosphere - you know what English fans are like." "My mum's side of the family are all from Newcastle," Young said. It's important to give them match time as we look at our combinations. "I am desperate for this tournament but my job as head coach is to make the complicated very simple. Although born in Wakefield, the 21-year-old has family from the North-East who are all proud Newcastle United supporters. "I need to prioritise what's going to help us get a win against Samoa. Plus, a look ahead to the evening game between Australia and Fiji… Concerns over the virus led to the World Cup being postponed 12 months as well. "They've got big athletes, man for man they're 10-15 kilos heavier than us. [RLWC2021: Meet the men's teams](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/12714775/rugby-league-world-cup-2021-meet-the-16-mens-teams-taking-part-in-this-years-tournament-in-england)

Counter-terrorism officers urge fans to be vigilant but stress no specific threat has been made,.

"We need fans to trust their instincts. Tournament director Dean Hardman, said thousands of fans would be attending the tournament's 61 matches and they had a "role to play" in ensuring safety. Temporary Det Ch Supt Peter Craig said: "We're working closely with organisers and local police forces to make sure that everything is in place to protect people; whether they have tickets to a game or planning a trip to a nearby pub to soak up the atmosphere.

There was live music, parades, inflatable games and street art on show as Newcastle welcomed the Rugby League World Cup 2021 to the city.

While nearby Kingston Park will host games on 16, 22 and 29 October. There were live music, parades, inflatable games and street art on show as the city welcomed the league to the city. There was live music, parades, inflatable games and street art on show as Newcastle welcomed the Rugby League World Cup 2021 to the city

What a tournament we have in store. World Cup fever is everywhere and can't be denied. It's a fascinating competition, too. I firmly believe five nations could ...

If they could make the final four, that would be something special for that nation. Just thinking of world-class players like Sebastian Kris, Joseph Manu, and Dylan Brown linking up is frightening, and I honestly believe they'll win the whole thing. England are in for the dogfight of their lives as this Samoa side is incredible, with eight State of Origin representatives. Not many people in the UK will be too familiar with Joseph Sua’ali’i, but he will be playing full-back for Samoa this weekend and is an incredible talent. Australia are favourites to win the World Cup, and rightly so, but I think Samoa could be a team to watch. It’s hard to look past the Kangaroos. But I think it’s a group that will grow into the tournament and could potentially go all the way. That’s testament to the talent within their squad. I'm backing Welsby's stock to rise drastically in the tournament and I reckon David Fifita will score so many tries in the group stage that he'll be in the mix to be named to try-scorer. Not because I think England will win it - they have a chance but it is a huge ask - rather simply because there’s so much talent on show spread across so many nations. England are on home soil, they are familiar with the conditions and that could play a huge part. Ireland are capable of overcoming Lebanon to reach the quarters and it will be interesting to see how they get on against New Zealand.

JASON ROBINSON is the only Englishman to play in three World Cup finals, in a stellar rugby career that made him a legend in both codes.Here he gives.

If you know someone who fits the bill, write 500 words on what makes them special and why they deserve to be hailed as a champion. It’ll be the same when England kick off in Newcastle. We ended up getting to the final. The fact England haven’t beaten them in 27 years since, shows it’s not easy. I’m so glad I will be in the stands! It’s the pinnacle. and for all they could put out three world-class teams, the Aussies aren’t superhuman. That’s why the next month could be the biggest boost for English rugby league ever — and they have a serious chance of making it happen. . . It’s one of the biggest upsets and biggest wins I had as a player. and reckons Shaun Wane’s Lions could roar all the way to the final. I HAVE no doubt that England can be kings of the world — but they must get off to a flier at St James’ Park on Saturday.

AUSTRALIA coach Mal Meninga is convinced this year's Rugby League World Cup will be the most competitive ever and kick-start a bright new era for…

"The powers that be need to see the importance of the international game, and I think they do. "We talk about the expectation but we don't let it overtake us. "I have been there many times on tours, and I know the players will definitely enjoy the experience.

When the curtain comes down on the World Cup, English rugby league will need something tangible to hold on to as it enters a new era under the direction of ...

Win and England are near certainties to top Group A and face the second-placed side in Group D, likely to be Papua New Guinea; lose and Wane's men would be on a collision course with Tonga in the quarter-finals. It is set to be the biggest and most inclusive tournament yet but that is not enough on its own – English rugby league needs a successful brand. The St Helens starlet has yet to have a competitive hit-out for his country but he has shown in Super League that he has all the tools and is a player who relishes the big stage. The answer was no in 2017 and the loss of St Helens star Jonny Lomax on the eve of this tournament was a hammer blow. While it would be no disgrace to lose to a star-studded Samoa outfit featuring five NRL Grand Final winners, the hosts and the tournament in general would struggle to recover. When the curtain comes down on the World Cup, English rugby league will need something tangible to hold on to as it enters a new era under the direction of IMG.

Former England captain Jamie Peacock has run the rule over the opening game against Samoa, and is expecting fireworks when the Rugby League World Cup kicks ...

It's a chance for those sorts of players to step up and say ‘I’m going to be an international player for the next 10 years.’ England are going in now as underdogs against a Samoa team which is absolutely packed full of NRL and State of Origin stars. [England](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/england-rugby-league-team) to have the easier route to the [Rugby League World Cup](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/rugby-league-world-cup) final and hopefully succeed, they really need to win this opener against Samoa.

Counter-terrorism officers urge fans to be vigilant but stress no specific threat has been made,.

"We need fans to trust their instincts. Tournament director Dean Hardman, said thousands of fans would be attending the tournament's 61 matches and they had a "role to play" in ensuring safety. Temporary Det Ch Supt Peter Craig said: "We're working closely with organisers and local police forces to make sure that everything is in place to protect people; whether they have tickets to a game or planning a trip to a nearby pub to soak up the atmosphere.

Your guide to Rugby World Cup fixtures, including matches on today and the full tournament schedule.

[subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article)and get the next 12 issues for only £1. Tonga v Wales (7:30pm, BBC Two) Lebanon v Ireland (2:30pm, BBC Two) Australia v Scotland (7:30pm, BBC Two) Scotland v Italy (2:30pm, BBC Two) Australia v Fiji (7:30pm, BBC Two)

TODAY'S the day. 1,778 days have passed since Australia lifted the Paul Barriere Trophy at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium by beating England in the 2017 Rugby ...

“This is international rugby league’s moment to shine and together we have the greatest opportunity to create new history that will pave the way for these amazing athletes to show the world our talents. “My board and my team has worked tirelessly and there’s been no stone unturned to ensure that when the fireworks go off there are no regrets. “Back then nobody would have predicted the challenges that lay ahead – from Brexit to a global pandemic, a change in monarchy to a cost of living crisis, from war in Europe to postponement.

On the eve of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, ex-England captain and Golden Boot winner Kevin Sinfield OBE explains why he thinks this could be the year ...

After Covid and the devastating effect that had on communities, it’s really important to help get people back through the doors and a facility like that encourages and keeps people involved in sport, to help get more people into rugby league and help future youth teams. But I’d probably stick with the players in our three England teams: I know the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes for a number of years now. I don’t want to heap a load of pressure on the players and the coaches - I think they already understand - but it’d be brilliant if we can go on and do something special. But I still believe if we can generate the kind of support we saw at the women’s Euros, that England - in all three tournaments - will have an opportunity and a great chance. [BBC](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bbc), in wonderful stadiums, spread across the UK but ultimately, I think a lot of that success will come from the product on the field. It’s brilliant that all three World Cups - men’s, women’s and wheelchair - are on the same stage.

The opening match of the tournament will see England take on Samoa in Group A at St James' Park in Newcastle. Welsh fans will have to wait until Wednesday ...

Group B Group C Group A

Kallum Watkins insists it is time to rewrite history as he prepares for his third Rugby League World Cup with England.

It is the ultimate.” “The games being over here – especially the final at Old Trafford – is huge. “As a back-row you’re always in tackles or you always have to be alert and I like that part of the game.

Newcastle will host the biggest tournament in Rugby League with events taking place in the city centre alongside the opening game.

Rugby League fans will be treated to a big Newcastle United welcome as the first game of the World Cup kicks off at St James' Park. The opening game will see England take on Samoa to kick off the sport’s World Cup tournament from the heart of Newcastle. The Rugby League World Cup has provided us with this guide. A Fan Village has been set up on the “It’s England’s Rugby League World Cup opener and is at the sporting cathedral that is St James’ Park. Newcastle Thunder head coach and proud Geordie Chris Thorman admits he cannot wait to see England open their World Cup campaign at his beloved St James’ Park tomorrow. It’s an event that should be supported by the locals and is looking like it will be. [St James’ Park](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/st-james-park) hosting the opening game which will see England take on Samoa. [St James’ Park](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/st-james-park) for the opening ceremony and first match. Newcastle will be centre stage for the biggest tournament in the Rugby League, with Newcastle will be centre stage for the biggest tournament in Rugby League, with The Rugby League World Cup kicks off this weekend with thousands of fans making their way to

It may not be the national sport in Wales, but Welsh rugby league will take to the biggest stage over the next couple of weeks. Wales are in action on Wednesday ...

You can live stream the game on BBC iPlayer, but you will need a TV licence and BBC login. Wales are in action on Wednesday, October 19, at 7.30PM at Leigh Sports Village against Cook Islands. England v Samoa will be broadcast live on BBC One. What TV channel is England v Samoa on? What time is England v Samoa kick-off? England v Samoa kicks off at 2.30pm local time on Saturday, October 15.

Everything you need to know ahead of the Group A fixture.

[Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) There’s plenty of quality in both squads - there may be only a single try in it. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. “But beating England would signify a massive achievement for Samoa on the international scale.” Samoa are optimistic they can better a disappointing showing at the 2017 tournament, with plenty of quality at Matt Parish’s disposal. Dominic Young is in line to win his first England cap, with the talented wing starring in the uncapped warm-up game against Fiji. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage from 1.15pm BST. Michael McIlorum has got the nod ahead of Andy Ackers, with John Bateman, Mikolaj Oledski and Joe Batchelor also left out from the 24-man squad named by Shaun Wane for the tournament. Samoa to win by four points. By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism It is likely to be a tight affair in Newcastle, with Samoa keen to right the wrongs of the last World Cup and England likely to be able to draw on the backing of strong home support.

The Rugby League World Cup gets underway at St James' Park in Newcastle with host nation England taking on an impressive Samoa side - follow the build-up, ...

In that regard, you'll have to wait a few hours as we count down to kick-off in the opening match of the men's tournament. Samoa captain Junior Paulo admits time is not on his team's side as they look to hit the ground running in the World Cup. "The boys have gelled quite well but, knowing we haven't played a lot of footy together, it's all about building that connection." The calendar may have moved on, but with the tournment delayed a year because of Covid, just like last year's football European Championships and the Olympic Games, organisers have kept the original naming with the 2021 date. "We performed okay against Fiji but this is a different challenge this weekend against a really good Samoan team with six players from the NRL winners. It has been a white-knuckle ride and last year’s bitter war of words – after Australia and New Zealand refused to travel to England – sparked fears the World Cup could be scrapped altogether. Wane, whose contract was extended by 12 months to take in the delayed tournament, has had contests against the Combined Nations All Stars and matches against France and Fiji but admits the serious business begins now, starting with the opening game against star-studded Samoa. The treble Grand Final-winning Wigan boss has endured a frustrating time since his appointment, initially on a two-year deal, as the successor to Australian Wayne Bennett in February 2020. After seven years, four Prime Ministers, a pandemic, tournament postponement, change of Monarchy and cost of living crisis, the 2021 Rugby League World Cup is finally here. The team is due to be named in around 13 minutes. The tournament gets underway today at St James' Park in Newcastle with the opening men's match as host nation England take on Samoa. Shaun Wane's England side face arguably their toughest test until a possible semi-final when facing a Samoan team who are littered with NRL stars, including a host of players from the NRL-winning Penrith Panthers team.

England open the tournament with a daunting clash against the highly-fancies Samoans.

It will be the only place you can watch the game today from the UK. Today's coverage begins at 1.15 PM on BBC1, meaning there will be over an hour's worth of coverage before the game begins. England, head into the tournament without a number of their star players including Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, Liam Farrell and Mark Percival while John Bateman is suspended. The match is set to take place in front of a bumper crowd and get the competition off with a bang between two of the favourites to win the competition. The BBC will be broadcasting every single match from this year's men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments, meaning fans won't miss a second of the action. It will be the first of 61 matches from three different competition's to be shown on the BBC, with the broadcaster showing every single game from the Men's, Women's and Wheelchair tournaments.

Dates: Saturday 15 October-Saturday 19 November · TV: All games broadcast live on BBC One/BBC Two/BBC Three · Live stream: BBC iPlayer and via the BBC Sport app ...

However, with the likes of Lachlan Coote injured and Campbell Graham electing to play for Australia, the Bravehearts will find it too tough to advance to the knockout stage. Semi-finalists in the past three World Cups, Fiji were expected to again impress at the tournament. The Titans are in their first-ever World Cup, a miracle considering the sport had previously been banned in Greece. This World Cup will be the first time France have been able to field a fully-professional team. The sleeping giants of rugby league, many are tipping this to be the time when Samoa rise from their slumber. “It’s come at a great time for the northern hemisphere because I think the World Cup will be a wake-up call. As Wales coach John Kear said: “this World Cup has come at a great time with IMG looking at the game as a whole. England are dreaming of lifting the Paul Barriere Trophy once more, and of beating the old enemy Australia, but the odds are stacked against them. But five years ago that ended in heartbreak too, a tight 6-0 defeat at the hands of the green and gold. While both countries will lean on their heritage connections to Australia and England respectively for their players, it does show progress in the 13-man code spreading its wings globally to pastures new. Instead of branching out into Wales, Ireland and across the Channel, like nine years ago, this tournament has been concentrated in several areas, specifically Yorkshire, Lancashire and the north-east. The move caused more consternation in the usually fractured world of rugby league, but the Antipodeans eventually got their wish.

Minute-by-minute report: Will England start off their Rugby League World Cup campaign with a win? Join Daniel Gallan to find out.

Samoa get a fresh set of six and have crept inside the England 22. The PA system has failed and now we’ll get a delayed start to the match. But is he in control of the ball? He gets a great pass from Welsby, and it was poor defence from Samoa who seemed to switch off, but that is the score of a star in the making. They don’t seem to have a plan and it’s all first phase rugby at the minute. Tomkins collects well under the high ball and sets off on a counter. Williams gets the pass against the grain and burst through a challenge. Samoa keep the ball and stab a kick through. They kick away the ball when they have to but Samoa are right against their own line. He drops the ball though and England go back. I was on the same page but England have kept it tight and have actually been the more threatening in the wide areas. A forced turnover from England to get the ball back.

ENGLAND's Rugby League World Cup campaign is UNDERWAY.The big tournament finally gets underway on English turf a year after it was first postponed bec.

"They (Samoa) are a massive threat. England 2-0 Samoa England 0-0 Samoa England 6-0 Samoa England 8-0 Samoa England 18-6 Samoa England 14-0 Samoa England 18-0 Samoa Half Time - England 18-6 Samoa Kick Off - England 18-6 Samoa

Updates as the Rugby League World Cup kicks off with hosts England facing Samoa in Newcastle; kick-off is at 2.30pm; reigning champions Australia face Fiji ...

More teams than ever will compete for the men's trophy, with four groups of four nations competing in stadia across England, while the women's and wheelchair ...

People who aren't disabled are welcome to compete in this sport, while both men and women can play in the same team. - France - England