England v Samoa: Rugby League World Cup predictions and betting tips

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for England v Samoa and Australia v Fiji in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Where to watch

England v Samoa
BBC One, 2.30pm Saturday

Australia v Fiji
BBC Two, 7.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Stephen Crichton first tryscorer in England v Samoa
1pt each-way 12-1 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

The 2021 Rugby League World Cup kicks off a year later than originally intended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the betting for Saturday’s tournament opener between hosts England and Samoa at St James’ Park probably looks different from how it would have appeared 12 months ago.

England, one of rugby league’s big three traditional international powerhouses, would have likely been favourites for the Newcastle clash but the decision of many players to represent their countries of heritage means the Samoans are now third-favourites to pick up the title.

Matt Parish’s side have reached the quarter-finals in each of the last two editions but, bolstered by six members of Penrith Panthers’ title-winning side and some of the NRL’s most exciting players, they are eyeing at least a semi-final spot this time around.

England, meanwhile, have lost some of their guaranteed starters, such as Super League Grand Final man of the match Jonny Lomax, for the tournament.

Lomax’s steady hand on the tiller will be missed in the halves, although it may be in the centres where England may face a greater test from Samoa on Saturday.

Kallum Watkins has been a world-class centre down the years but has played most of the season in the second-row for Salford, while midfield partner Herbie Farnworth has played just once – in last week’s warm-up rout of Fiji – since June 11.

In direct opposition to England’s centre pairing will be Panthers ace Stephen Crichton, who opened the scoring in the NRL Grand Final a few weeks ago and has scored 41 tries in 76 games for the Panthers since 2019.

An elusive runner who is also tough to stop near the line, Crichton likes to push up in support of enigmatic international teammate Jarome Luai for the Panthers and he looks a touch of each-way value at 12-1 to cross for the World Cup’s first try in Newcastle.

Saturday’s later match should be a more one-side affair as perennial world champions Australia take on Fiji at Headingley.

The Kangaroos are asked to give up 38 points on the handicap to the Bati, who were thumped 50-0 by England in their sole warm-up game last week.

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