Rugby League World Cup: England triumph would 'inspire' kids

Sam Tomkins says that an England World Cup triumph on home soil would be massive.

On Saturday, the hosts face off against Samoa.

Since 1972, England has won the competition three times.

We are going to win it. I don't care what other teams bring, they have an amazing squad. Tomkins said to bring it on.

The full-back said that winning the World Cup would inspire generations of rugby players.

There are kids who don't know what they want to do when they're bigger and if we can be successful in this World Cup, there will be a lot of kids going into school. We would like to do that.

In Group A, England will play France and Greece will play Greece.

A total of 61 matches will be played across the men's, women's and wheelchair competition, with all of them available to watch on the Beeb.

England 'certainly not' favourites against Samoa

A huge sign advertising the game has been put up on a billboard, while the city isbuzz with excitement on the eve of the tournament

There will be a fan village on Quayside that will feature live music and activities.

Rob Burrow, a former England scrum-half, will be the guest of honour for the opening ceremony, while the Kaiser Chiefs will perform on the pitch before the game.

A crowd of around 45,000 is anticipated but expectation could be low as England start as favorites against a strong Samoa squad which has been tipped as the strongest they have ever assembled

There are seven players from Australia's National Rugby League Grand Final, five from Penrith and one from the runner-up Eels.

Tomkins was asked if he thought his side would start as favorites.

"Samoa have got some stars in their team and it's the best team they have ever had, that's obvious from the squad they've picked."

One was looking forward to it, but it has turned into a tougher challenge.

The World Cup was delayed by a year because of the Covid-19 epidemic, and England's coach has only taken charge of three games.

Expectations are good according to the former Wigan head coach. It's a great chance for us to show people how good our game is.

The more people that see it, the better. Every game, we're on the radio. The important thing for me is that they see the best of us.

Matt Parish said that they need to rise to the occasion. I'm pretty sure that they will.

We will get better as the competition goes on. The World Cup is the strongest it has been.

We've got a lot of work to do but we're excited to be a part of it.

You can vote if you are on the app.

Elsewhere this weekend...

The defending champion and record 11-time winners Australia will play their first game on Saturday.

Mal Meninga's men have not played an international fixture since the start of the year due to player welfare and safety concerns related to Covid-19.

Meninga said that the leaders of the game are excited about the World Cup.

The international space is the new frontier for our game globally. We need to find a new frontier because we've almost exhausted everything at home.

It has been a big build so we are excited to finally get this World Cup campaign under way.

It doesn't get any better than being the leader of your country at a World Cup. The biggest challenge for me is to lead the way to success. The tournament has never been stronger.

There are Sunday's games.

Scotland v Italy will be shown on the television.

The Jamaica v Ireland game will be aired on the British Broadcasting Corp.

The New Zealand v Lebanon game will be shown on Red Button.