The marketing gurus had pinned this autumn series between England and Samoa as revenge given what happened in an extraordinary Rugby League World Cup semi-final two years ago, when Samoa stunned Shaun Wane’s side in extra time at the Emirates Stadium.

The reality, however, is that this two-match series is not about looking back for England but rather looking forward to the next World Cup in 2026. To that end, this was another successful tick in the box for a side who will be largely unchanged when the tournament kicks off in Australia in two years’ time.

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