East Lancashire's rugby league rising star Herbie Farnworth had a perfect debut in the opening game of the Rugby League World Cup as England overpowered Samoa.

Farnworth, born and raised in Blacko, but now living in Brisbane, Australia, scored a try as the hosts swept aside their opponents at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

The 22-year-old centre was a stand out performer for the Wall of White in the game; assured in defence and a constant threat in attack, as England overcame a Samoa side that was strong on paper but were disappointing in reality.

In front of more than 43,000 fans in the North East, England were winning the arm wrestle in the first quarter when quick play sent St Helens pivot Jack Welsby away for the opening try.

Lancashire Telegraph: Herbie Farnworth was a constant thorn in Samoa's side. Pic:PAHerbie Farnworth was a constant thorn in Samoa's side. Pic:PA (Image: PA)

Two quick fire tries, created by Welsby and finished superbly by flying Huddersfield born debutant Dom Young, extended the lead, before Samoa's NRL winning centre Izack Tago scored an intercept try to make the half time score 18-6.

After a scrappy start to the second half from both sides, England hit their straps again.

A Mike Cooper offload unleashed halfback George Williams, with Salford veteran Kallum Watkins scoring from the next play, set up by Staines born Mike McMeeken.

Farnworth was next, benefitting from superb ball handling to crash over on the left flank.

Lancashire Telegraph: Dom Young finishes in style for his second try on his England debut against Samoa. Pic: PADom Young finishes in style for his second try on his England debut against Samoa. Pic: PA (Image: PA)

Bradford old-timer Elliott Whitehead bagged a quick fire double next, crashing over from short range before finishing off a sweeping length of the field move to extend England’s lead.

The star-studded Samoa team struggled to live with England’s intensity and a number of injuries to the backline and a stupid sin bin to Anthony Milford didn’t help the cause.

Wingman Tommy Makinson was next on the scoresheet, diving on a smart George Williams kick, and the St Helens man was near-flawless with the boot missing just two kicks at goal.

Lancashire Telegraph: There was no love-lost between England and Samoa, demonstrated when Sam Tomkins and Josh Papali'i squared up. Pic: PAThere was no love-lost between England and Samoa, demonstrated when Sam Tomkins and Josh Papali'i squared up. Pic: PA (Image: PA)

Williams crossed with three minutes to go from a simple Welsby pass, before Dewsbury born Thomas Burgess capped off a perfect day for England, muscling his way over in the dying seconds as the game finished 60-6 to the tournament hosts.

Farnworth and his England team will next be in action on Saturday, October 22, at the University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton, when they take on France.

Tickets for the game can be purchased from the 2021 Rugby League World Cup website.