England made a winning start to the Rugby League World Cup as they claimed an emphatic 60-6 victory over a dangerous Samoa side.
Many expected Samoa to stun the hosts in the tournament curtain-raiser, but a team featuring several players who featured in the NRL Grand Final two weeks ago failed to deliver.
An early penalty from Tommy Makinson put England ahead before Jack Welsby went over for the tournament's first try.
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Dom Young crossed for a stunning double to give England a measure of command they never relinquished despite Izack Tago's interception score.
Stephen Crichton saw a try ruled out by the video referee before half-time but Samoa never threatened thereafter.
Indeed, an ill-disciplined performance allowed England to coast home.Marker set.
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 15, 2022
England get their RLWC2021 campaign off to the best possible start with a comprehensive win over Samoa.#RLWC2021 | @England_RL pic.twitter.com/jAM90RSNSD
Kallum Watkins scored England's fourth try and they ran riot after Samoa's Anthony Milford was sin-binned.
Herbie Farnworth crossed, Elliott Whitehead added a quickfire double and Makinson brought up the half-century when he converted his own try on the left sideline.
George Williams and Tom Burgess had the final say form Shaun Wane's side, who are in the box seat to win Group A, with games against France and tournament debutants Greece to follow.
