RLWC2021: Leeds Rhinos ace's delight as Wheelchair Rugby League takes World Cup by storm

England got their campaign off to a flying start with a 38-8 Ashes success which was broadcast live on BBC Two and left viewers enthralled by the skills and toughness on show.

Collins scored two tries and four goals in a dominant team display in front of more than 3,000 fans at the Copper Box in London.

“It was a record crowd and 98 per cent of them were shouting our names and screaming for England,” the Rhinos man recalled.

“It was amazing to be in that moment, singing the national anthem with everyone around you; the World Cup has seriously started now and we got off to a good start I think.”

Of the hugely positive reaction on social media, Collins said: “The more people we can get involved or watching the sport, the better.

“I was looking at Tweets [after the match] and there were loads of people saying they’d never seen it before, but they were really enjoying the game. It is really good to see.”

England scored seven tries, conceding only one, but Collins feels they will get better, especially on attack, as the tournament goes on.

“Our defence was really good, keeping them to one try which was a bit of a fluke,” he said. “Attack-wise, we have got some stuff to work on. There were too many errors - dropping the ball and throwing stupid passes.

“It wasn’t us and we need to go back to the drawing board and not change the game plan, but just make sure we complete our sets and are more clinical.”

Second round opponents Spain kicked off with an impressive 55-32 win over Ireland and Collins said England need to be on their guard for Sunday’s game at the Copper Box (noon).

“A lot of them play in the French league, which is one of the best in the world,” he warned.

“They know what they are doing and I think it will be a really good game.”