Rugby League betting tips: England vs Samoa second Test predictions

Where to watch England v Samoa

BBC One, 2.30pm Saturday

Best bet

England -14
2pts Evs Betfair, Paddy Power

Victor Radley to be named man of the match
1pt 10-1 bet365

England v Samoa predictions

Rugby league's perennial world champions Australia are set to tour England for the first time since 2003 next year but there is plenty of work for England to do before then, according to their boss Shaun Wane.

Wane said England's performance in last week's 34-18 win over Samoa "wouldn't have troubled" the Kangaroos as unforced errors handed Samoa a foothold in last Sunday's first Test despite being dominated by England for large periods in Wigan.

The typically forthright Wane has challenged his side to be more ruthless in Saturday's second Test at Headingley, which they certainly were on their last visit to the Leeds venue when they secured a series clean sweep against Tonga a year ago.

After tense wins in the first two Tests against the Tongans last autumn, England produced a polished 80-minute performance at Headingley to complete a series sweep with a 26-4 win that had Wane particularly impressed by his side's defensive fortitude.

The Tongan touring party of last year featured far more international experience than that of Samoa's new-look cohort. And if England can cut out the errors – they conceded two intercept tries last week – then a similarly dominant Leeds showing could be in the offing.

Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley is an embodiment of the intensity that Wane demands from his England players and the 26-year-old is likely to be an influential figure with and without the ball on Saturday.

Known as 'Victor the Inflictor' for his robust tackling, Radley is also a silky operator with ball in hand and affords England the luxury of having an added playmaker or dummy-half when on the pitch.

Radley was named player of the match when England routed Samoa 60-6 in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup and he could be worth an interest to produce another starring role at Headingley.

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