#160: What England MUST Do to Reach the Rugby League World Cup Semi-Finals

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from Week Two of the Rugby League World Cup.

The pair begin with England’s huge victory over France, assessing their response to the opening-round defeat to Tonga and exactly what they now need to do to keep their World Cup campaign alive and book a place in the semi-finals.

Martyn and Jake also review the rest of the weekend’s action, including New Zealand’s dominant win over the Cook Islands, Australia’s narrow escape against Fiji, Samoa’s big victory over Papua New Guinea and Tonga overcoming a brave Lebanon side.

Away from the World Cup, they discuss the latest surrounding the London Broncos and whether the club will be playing in Super League next season, as well as the ongoing NRL–RFL negotiations.

They also turn their attention to the NRL, with the Sydney Roosters pulling out of contract negotiations with Sam Walker’s management. What does it mean for Walker’s future, and where could the star halfback end up next?

The pair also discuss Tom Starling signing with St Helens and what he could bring to the Saints before looking ahead to Week Three of the Rugby League World Cup and the crucial matches that will determine who progresses to the semi-finals.