Eights and nines all round: England player ratings from huge rugby league World Cup win over Samoa

England got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a sensational 60-6 thrashing of highly-rated Samoa.

By Peter Smith

Published 15th Oct 2022, 20:20 GMT

Updated 16th Oct 2022, 12:00 GMT

Coach Shaun Wane’s men turned in an outstanding team performance, running in 10 tries including six in the final 17 minutes.

From one-17, England rose to the occasion in front of a crowd of more than 43,000 at Newcastle’s St James’s Park.

Here’s how the England players rated.

Impressive involvement, a big attacking threat 8.

1. Sam Tomkins (squad number one)

Impressive involvement, a big attacking threat 8. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com

Scored 24 points from a try and 10 goals, hard to fault 8.

2. Tommy Makinson (no 2)

Scored 24 points from a try and 10 goals, hard to fault 8. Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com

Rolled back the years, capped a fine display with a try, good to see him playing so well 9.

3. Kallum Watkins (No 3)

Rolled back the years, capped a fine display with a try, good to see him playing so well 9. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com

Strong defensively and earned his try 9.

4. Herbie Farnworth (No 4)

Strong defensively and earned his try 9. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com

Justified his selection with an eye-catching two tries 8.

5. Dom Young (No 14)

Justified his selection with an eye-catching two tries 8. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com

Outstanding, heavily involved throughout. Gave away an interception, but scored a try and created several others 9.

6. Jack Welsby (No 6)

Outstanding, heavily involved throughout. Gave away an interception, but scored a try and created several others 9. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com

England Shaun Wane Newcastle St James's Park