Rugby League World Cup opening match England v Samoa takes place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park on 15 October 2022. England will face Samoa in their first Rugby League World Cup match on home soil.
The host country has the distinction of kicking off the event 12 months after it was scheduled to take place but was postponed owing to COVID restrictions.
Shaun Wane will be hoping for a fast start against the Polynesian islanders, but he is well aware of the threat his opponents pose.
Samoa is one of the most eagerly awaited sides in the event after numerous famous NRL players switched allegiances to the country. If they can work together, England will have a formidable assignment.
They will, however, face a hard test in the tournament opener against a Samoa team bolstered by a bevy of great NRL talent.
Samoa and Tonga have joined Tonga as legitimate challengers to win the championship and break the monopoly of the big three, which also includes New Zealand.
EM2SPORTS has compiled a list of everything you need to know about watching England v Samoa on TV and online.
When is England v Samoa?
England v Samoa will be played on Saturday, October 15, 2022.
The game will take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
England v Samoa Kick-Off Time:
The match England v Samoa will begin at 2:30 pm.
What channel is England v Samoa playing on?
The event will be broadcast live on BBC One, which is a major triumph for lovers of live sports on free-to-air television. Coverage begins at 1:15 p.m., with plenty of build-up to the main event.
How to Watch England vs Samoa Live Online
The BBC will broadcast every game from the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair World Cup tournaments.
Broadcasting Live: RLWC WATCH (try it free)
The huge match between England and Samoa begins at 2.30 pm on BBC One, with live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.
The game will also be broadcast on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport mobile app.
Team news for England v Samoa:
England’s 19-man squad consists of the following players: 1 Sam Tomkins, 2 Tommy Makinson, 3 Kallum Watkins, 4 Herbie Farnworth, 6 Jack Welsby, and 7 George Williams. Tom Burgess, No. 8 11 Elliott Whitehead, 13 Victor Radley, 14 Dom Young, 15 Morgan Knowles, 16 Matty Lees, 17 Mike Cooper, 18 Chris Hill, 20 Mike McMeeken, 21 Marc Sneyd, 24 Kai Pearce-Paul
Samoa’s squad consists of 19 players: 1 Joseph Suaalii, 4 Stephen Crichton, 5 Brian To’o, 6 Jarome Luai. Anthony Milford, No. 7 Josh Papalii, No. 8 Danny Levi, No. 9 Junior Paulo, 10 Jayden Su’a, 12 Josh Aloiai, 13 Tyrone May, 14, Spencer Leniu, 16, Martin Taupa’u 17, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 18 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 20 Kelma Tuilagi (22), Oregon Kaufusi (23), and Braden Hamlin-Uele (24).
What do the two factions have to say?
“It’s a huge assignment against Samoa, but we know what this bunch is capable of,” England back-rower Elliott Whitehead said. It will be a terrific atmosphere up at St James’, and with two great teams facing off, it should be a great way to kick off the World Cup. If there are 45,000 people there, we know 44,500 of them are cheering for England.”
“We’re under-done for the first game,” says Samoa coach Matt Parish. While our players were on a plane, England played a trial match. Looking at the teams competing, this is by far the strongest World Cup ever, the most even, and it’s thrilling to be a part of. We’re confident, but there’s still work to be done. It’s a momentous occasion, and we must rise to it.”
Odds and predictions for England v Samoa:
According to Planet Sports Bet, England enters the contest as underdogs, with Samoa as the third favourite to win the World Cup and 8/11 favourites to win the opening match.
If you want to bet on England, they are listed at 5/4, with the draw at 20/1. Samoa is 2/1 to win by 1-12 points.
The success of the entire tournament may rely on this game; a win for England sets the tone, while a defeat may generate ticketing issues for organizers later on.
Despite England’s home advantage, it’s difficult to overlook Samoa’s talent, and I think Matt Parish’s team will win by a try or two.
The odds are subject to change. 18+. Terms and conditions apply. BeGambleAware.org. Note: The bonus code RT365 has no effect on the offer amount.
