Williams dazzles as England gain a slice of revenge

The marketing gurus had billed this autumn series between England and Samoa as a chance for revenge given what happened in an extraordinary Rugby League World Cup semi-final two years ago, when Samoa stunned Shaun Wane's side in extra time at the Emirates Stadium.

- Aaron Bower

The reality, however, is that this two-match series is not about looking back for England but rather looking forward to the next World Cup. To that end, this was another successful tick in the box for a side who will be largely unchanged when the tournament kicks off in Australia in two years' time.

The hosts were ultimately too good for the touring Samoans, who trailed 16-6 at half-time and could have no complaints about the fact they need to win in Leeds next weekend to square the series. They, too, will have hopes of success in the 2026 World Cup after reaching the final in England last time out, given how they are littered with National Rugby League superstars.

Here, though, there were still simmering tensions from 2022. That was evident before a ball had been kicked, with Samoa's spine-tingling Siva Tau war dance leading to the Hull KR half-back Mikey Lewis and the Manly Sea Eagles' Gordon Chan Kum Tong going head-to-head.