England vs Samoa LIVE: Three Lions get Rugby League World Cup underway at St James’ Park as tournament begins one year after postponement

England and Samoa are playing Rugby League World Cup match at St James' Park. Tournament begins one year after postponement.

The Rugby League World Cup begins this weekend. It was postponed last year due to the Covid pandemic. England play Samoa at St James’ Park on Saturday. Shaun Wane's side were beaten in the final of the last World cup by Australia.

England vs Samoa is the Rugby League World Cup opener on Saturday, October 15th at 2:30pm at Newcastle’s St James” Park. The game will be shown live on BBC One from 1:15pm. It can also be live-streamed via your tablet and mobile devices on the BBC iPlayer. TalkSPORT‘s Mark Wilson will have updates from the opening game throughout the afternoon on our radio airwaves.

England will be without John Bateman and Mike McMeeken. All players who played in the Super League Grand Final are available. Tommy Makinson, Matty Lees and Morgan Knowles are fit and ready. Dom Young and Ryan Hall will compete for a place on the wing.

England play Samoa at St James’ Park on 15 October. They play France on 22 October at 5 pm at the University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton and Greece on 29 October 2:30 pm, Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

The Captain's Challenge rule will be used in the World Cup for the first time on Saturday. Each team will only be allowed one unsuccessful challenge per game. England boss Shane Wane has printed out areas of where they can challenge and where can't.

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