England boss Shaun Wane believes his side will be “huge underdogs” against Samoa in their Rugby League World Cup opener.
The countdown is on to the tournament, which starts next month with the eagerly-anticipated clash at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Wane is hoping to inspire a home nations win for the first time since Great Britain’s 1972 success. His bold claim that Samoa are favourites to win their contest on Saturday October 15 will come as a surprise to many.
Clearly, the Pacific island has grown stronger with a raft of NRL stars pledging their allegiance to their cause. New South Wales State of Origin half-back Jarome Luai was the latest to turn down the Kangaroos to instead represent Samoa. He followed the lead of his Penrith and Origin team-mate Brian To’o, the prolific winger who is one of six players from the NRL champions expected to be included in Matt Parish's squad.
