Group A preview: England, France, Greece, Samoa

Author: Corey Rosser NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Mon 10 Oct 2022, 12:58 PM

With the World Cup fast approaching, NRL.com takes a look at how each Group shapes up and who are the key men who have to stand up if their nation is to progress to the knockout stages...

GROUP A (England, France, Greece, Samoa)

The lowdown

It is arguably the tournament's toughest group to pick a winner from, with host nation England set to battle it out with a star-studded Samoa side which includes the likes of Jarome Luai, Josh Papalii and Joseph Suaalii.

That means the tournament’s opening game between the two sides on October 16 (AEDT) carries huge importance, with the winner of it a good chance of advancing as the group’s top seed.

England have picked a mix of talent from the NRL and Super League, with Roosters lock Victor Radley, exciting Knights back Dominic Young and Raiders veteran Elliott Whitehead among the squad.

With Roosters coach Trent Robinson on board as director of rugby, there are hopes France can compete despite the tough group they find themselves in, with the added bonus this year of having had two French club sides in the Super League.

While they aren’t favoured to advance, Greece have some handy players in the shape of South Sydney halfback Lachlan Ilias and former Sharks forward Billy Magoulias.

The games

* all times are AEDT

Sunday Oct 16

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 15 Oct

Full Time

England

Samoa

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for England is number 1 Sam Tomkins

Fullback for Samoa is number 1 Joseph Suaali'i
Winger for England is number 2 Tommy Makinson

Winger for Samoa is number 5 Brian To'o
Centre for England is number 3 Kallum Watkins

Centre for Samoa is number 3 Izack Tago
Centre for England is number 4 Herbie Farnworth

Centre for Samoa is number 4 Stephen Crichton
Winger for England is number 14 Dominic Young

Winger for Samoa is number 18 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Five-Eighth for England is number 6 Jack Welsby

Five-Eighth for Samoa is number 6 Jarome Luai
Halfback for England is number 7 George Williams

Halfback for Samoa is number 7 Anthony Milford

Forwards

Prop for England is number 8 Thomas Burgess

Prop for Samoa is number 8 Josh Papali'i
Hooker for England is number 9 Michael McIlorum

Hooker for Samoa is number 9 Danny Levi
Prop for England is number 18 Chris Hill

Prop for Samoa is number 10 Junior Paulo
2nd Row for England is number 11 Elliott Whitehead

2nd Row for Samoa is number 12 Jaydn Su'a
2nd Row for England is number 20 Mike McMeeken

2nd Row for Samoa is number 13 Josh Aloiai
Lock for England is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Samoa is number 24 Braden Hamlin-Uele

Interchange

Interchange for England is number 10 Luke Thompson

Interchange for Samoa is number 14 Tyrone May
Interchange for England is number 15 Morgan Knowles

Interchange for Samoa is number 16 Spencer Leniu
Interchange for England is number 16 Matty Lees

Interchange for Samoa is number 17 Martin Taupau
Interchange for England is number 17 Mike Cooper

Interchange for Samoa is number 22 Kelma Tuilagi

Reserves

Replacement for England is number 24 Kai Pearce-Paul

Replacement for Samoa is number 20 Chanel Harris-Tavita

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Video Referee: Adam Gee

Last updated: 10/15/2022 9:34:02 PM

England vs Samoa 12.30am at St. James' Park

Tuesday Oct 18

Round 1 - Round 1 - Monday 17 Oct

Full Time

France

Greece

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for France is number 1 Morgan Escare

Fullback for Greece is number 1 Chaise Robinson
Winger for France is number 2 Arthur Romano

Winger for Greece is number 2 Siteni Taukamo
Centre for France is number 3 Samisoni Langi

Centre for Greece is number 3 Terry Constantinou
Centre for France is number 4 Matthieu Laguerre

Centre for Greece is number 4 Nick Mougios
Winger for France is number 5 Fouad Yaha

Winger for Greece is number 5 Johnny Mitsias
Five-Eighth for France is number 6 Arthur Mourgue

Five-Eighth for Greece is number 6 Lachlan Ilias
Halfback for France is number 7 Tony Gigot

Halfback for Greece is number 7 Jordan Meads

Forwards

Prop for France is number 8 Jordan Dezaria

Prop for Greece is number 8 Robert Tuliatu
Hooker for France is number 9 Alrix Da Costa

Hooker for Greece is number 9 Peter Mamouzelos
Prop for France is number 10 Lambert Belmas

Prop for Greece is number 16 Sebastian Sell
2nd Row for France is number 11 Benjamin Jullien

2nd Row for Greece is number 11 Mitchell Zampetides
2nd Row for France is number 12 Paul Seguier

2nd Row for Greece is number 12 Nicholas Flocas
Lock for France is number 13 Benjamin Garcia

Lock for Greece is number 13 Billy Magoulias

Interchange

Interchange for France is number 14 Eloi Pelissier

Interchange for Greece is number 14 Jake Kambos
Interchange for France is number 15 Justin Sangare

Interchange for Greece is number 15 Myles Gal
Interchange for France is number 17 Mickaël Goudemand

Interchange for Greece is number 17 Theodoros Nianiakas
Interchange for France is number 19 Corentin Le Cam

Interchange for Greece is number 18 Aris Dardamanis

Reserves

Replacement for France is number 23 Cesar Rouge

Replacement for Greece is number 19 Liam Sue-Tin

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger

Last updated: 10/17/2022 10:00:43 PM

France vs Greece 5.30am at Eco-Power Stadium

Sunday Oct 23

Round 2 - Round 2 - Saturday 22 Oct

Full Time

England

France

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for England is number 1 Sam Tomkins

Fullback for France is number 1 Morgan Escare
Winger for England is number 5 Ryan Hall

Winger for France is number 2 Arthur Romano
Centre for England is number 3 Kallum Watkins

Centre for France is number 3 Samisoni Langi
Centre for England is number 4 Herbie Farnworth

Centre for France is number 11 Benjamin Jullien
Winger for England is number 14 Dominic Young

Winger for France is number 4 Matthieu Laguerre
Five-Eighth for England is number 21 Marc Sneyd

Five-Eighth for France is number 6 Arthur Mourgue
Halfback for England is number 7 George Williams

Halfback for France is number 7 Tony Gigot

Forwards

Prop for England is number 8 Thomas Burgess

Prop for France is number 8 Jordan Dezaria
Hooker for England is number 9 Michael McIlorum

Hooker for France is number 9 Alrix Da Costa
Prop for England is number 18 Chris Hill

Prop for France is number 10 Lambert Belmas
2nd Row for England is number 11 Elliott Whitehead

2nd Row for France is number 12 Paul Seguier
2nd Row for England is number 12 John Bateman

2nd Row for France is number 17 Mickaël Goudemand
Lock for England is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for France is number 13 Benjamin Garcia

Interchange

Interchange for England is number 6 Jack Welsby

Interchange for France is number 14 Eloi Pelissier
Interchange for England is number 10 Luke Thompson

Interchange for France is number 15 Justin Sangare
Interchange for England is number 19 Andy Ackers

Interchange for France is number 16 Gadwin Springer
Interchange for England is number 23 Mikolaj Oledzki

Interchange for France is number 19 Corentin Le Cam

Reserves

Replacement for England is number 22 Joe Batchelor

Replacement for France is number 23 Cesar Rouge

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Todd Smith

Last updated: 10/22/2022 8:30:32 PM

England vs France 3.00am at University of Bolton Stadium

Monday Oct 24

Round 2 - Round 2 - Sunday 23 Oct

Full Time

Samoa

Greece

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Samoa is number 1 Joseph Suaali'i

Fullback for Greece is number 1 Chaise Robinson
Winger for Samoa is number 5 Brian To'o

Winger for Greece is number 2 Siteni Taukamo
Centre for Samoa is number 4 Stephen Crichton

Centre for Greece is number 3 Terry Constantinou
Centre for Samoa is number 25 Tim Lafai

Centre for Greece is number 4 Nick Mougios
Winger for Samoa is number 19 Mathew Feagai

Winger for Greece is number 5 Johnny Mitsias
Five-Eighth for Samoa is number 6 Jarome Luai

Five-Eighth for Greece is number 13 Billy Magoulias
Halfback for Samoa is number 20 Chanel Harris-Tavita

Halfback for Greece is number 6 Lachlan Ilias

Forwards

Prop for Samoa is number 8 Josh Papali'i

Prop for Greece is number 10 Stefanos Bastas
Hooker for Samoa is number 9 Danny Levi

Hooker for Greece is number 9 Peter Mamouzelos
Prop for Samoa is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Greece is number 12 Nicholas Flocas
2nd Row for Samoa is number 11 Ligi Sao

2nd Row for Greece is number 14 Jake Kambos
2nd Row for Samoa is number 12 Jaydn Su'a

2nd Row for Greece is number 25 Adam Vrahnos
Lock for Samoa is number 13 Josh Aloiai

Lock for Greece is number 16 Sebastian Sell

Interchange

Interchange for Samoa is number 15 Royce Hunt

Interchange for Greece is number 15 Myles Gal
Interchange for Samoa is number 17 Martin Taupau

Interchange for Greece is number 17 Theodoros Nianiakas
Interchange for Samoa is number 21 Fa'amanu Brown

Interchange for Greece is number 19 Liam Sue-Tin
Interchange for Samoa is number 23 Oregon Kaufusi

Interchange for Greece is number 23 Nikolaos Bosmos

Reserves

Replacement for Samoa is number 26 Ken Sio

Replacement for Greece is number 20 Ioannis Nake

Match Officials

Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 10/23/2022 7:42:02 PM

Samoa vs Greece 3.00am at Eco-Power Stadium

Sunday Oct 30

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 29 Oct

Full Time

England

Greece

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for England is number 2 Tommy Makinson

Fullback for Greece is number 2 Siteni Taukamo
Winger for England is number 5 Ryan Hall

Winger for Greece is number 4 Nick Mougios
Centre for England is number 6 Jack Welsby

Centre for Greece is number 3 Terry Constantinou
Centre for England is number 24 Kai Pearce-Paul

Centre for Greece is number 25 Adam Vrahnos
Winger for England is number 14 Dominic Young

Winger for Greece is number 5 Johnny Mitsias
Five-Eighth for England is number 21 Marc Sneyd

Five-Eighth for Greece is number 6 Lachlan Ilias
Halfback for England is number 7 George Williams

Halfback for Greece is number 7 Jordan Meads

Forwards

Prop for England is number 16 Matty Lees

Prop for Greece is number 8 Robert Tuliatu
Hooker for England is number 19 Andy Ackers

Hooker for Greece is number 9 Peter Mamouzelos
Prop for England is number 17 Mike Cooper

Prop for Greece is number 22 Ioannis Rousoglou
2nd Row for England is number 12 John Bateman

2nd Row for Greece is number 11 Mitchell Zampetides
2nd Row for England is number 22 Joe Batchelor

2nd Row for Greece is number 14 Jake Kambos
Lock for England is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Greece is number 12 Nicholas Flocas

Interchange

Interchange for England is number 8 Thomas Burgess

Interchange for Greece is number 16 Sebastian Sell
Interchange for England is number 15 Morgan Knowles

Interchange for Greece is number 17 Theodoros Nianiakas
Interchange for England is number 18 Chris Hill

Interchange for Greece is number 20 Ioannis Nake
Interchange for England is number 20 Mike McMeeken

Interchange for Greece is number 21 Konstantinos Katsidonis

Reserves

Replacement for England is number 23 Mikolaj Oledzki

Replacement for Greece is number 19 Liam Sue-Tin

Match Officials

Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond

Last updated: 10/29/2022 6:16:01 PM

England vs Greece 12.30am at Bramall Lane

Monday Oct 31

Round 3 - Round 3 - Sunday 30 Oct

Full Time

Samoa

France

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Samoa is number 1 Joseph Suaali'i

Fullback for France is number 6 Arthur Mourgue
Winger for Samoa is number 2 Taylan May

Winger for France is number 2 Arthur Romano
Centre for Samoa is number 4 Stephen Crichton

Centre for France is number 3 Samisoni Langi
Centre for Samoa is number 25 Tim Lafai

Centre for France is number 4 Matthieu Laguerre
Winger for Samoa is number 5 Brian To'o

Winger for France is number 5 Fouad Yaha
Five-Eighth for Samoa is number 6 Jarome Luai

Five-Eighth for France is number 23 Cesar Rouge
Halfback for Samoa is number 7 Anthony Milford

Halfback for France is number 7 Tony Gigot

Forwards

Prop for Samoa is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for France is number 8 Jordan Dezaria
Hooker for Samoa is number 9 Danny Levi

Hooker for France is number 9 Alrix Da Costa
Prop for Samoa is number 15 Royce Hunt

Prop for France is number 16 Gadwin Springer
2nd Row for Samoa is number 11 Ligi Sao

2nd Row for France is number 11 Benjamin Jullien
2nd Row for Samoa is number 12 Jaydn Su'a

2nd Row for France is number 12 Paul Seguier
Lock for Samoa is number 23 Oregon Kaufusi

Lock for France is number 13 Benjamin Garcia

Interchange

Interchange for Samoa is number 8 Josh Papali'i

Interchange for France is number 14 Eloi Pelissier
Interchange for Samoa is number 16 Spencer Leniu

Interchange for France is number 15 Justin Sangare
Interchange for Samoa is number 17 Martin Taupau

Interchange for France is number 17 Mickaël Goudemand
Interchange for Samoa is number 20 Chanel Harris-Tavita

Interchange for France is number 21 Maxime Puech

Reserves

Replacement for Samoa is number 26 Ken Sio

Replacement for France is number 24 Louis Jouffret

Match Officials

Referee: Todd Smith

Last updated: 10/30/2022 8:36:01 PM

Samoa vs France 4.00am at Halliwell Jones Stadium

The teams

England

Andy Ackers (Salford Red Devils), Joe Batchelor (St Helens), John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Mike Cooper (Wigan Warriors), Herbie Farnworth (Brisbane Broncos), Ryan Hall (Hull KR), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Matty Lees (St Helens), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Michael McIlorum (Catalans Dragons), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Marc Sneyd (Salford Red Devils), Luke Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs), Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons) (Captain), Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights).

Key Player: The aggression and intensity Victor Radley brings to the game is going to be crucial, especially against Samoa who have a bunch of forwards at their disposal who are coming off strong seasons in the NRL. He's got plenty of handy teammates beside him in the pack, but the Roosters enforcer will play an important role in setting the tone.

Radley gives Olam the treatment

Strengths: Coach Shaun Wane has named an exciting backline with plenty of potential for tries. Herbie Farnworth and Dominic Young scored 28 between them in the NRL this year, while former Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson was the third-highest try-scorer in the Super League this year with 22.

Weaknesses: The backline and pack look strong, but it's in the halves that the big questions remain for England. While in the past they've benefitted from having a player like Gareth Widdop in the No.6 jersey, they'll be relying on one-time Canberra half George Williams to guide the side around the park this time.

History at World Cup: They came very close to ending their World Cup drought back in 2017 when they lost 6-0 to Australia after making it through to the final of the tournament for the first time since 1995. Under the banner of Great Britain, the side won the first ever edition of the tournament back in 1954 and were victorious again in 1960, but haven't won since.

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France

Squad: Lambert Belmas (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Alrix Da Costa (Dragons Catalans), Jordan Dezaria (Dragons Catalans), Morgan Escaré (Salford Red Devils), Benjamin Garcia (Captain) (Dragons Catalans), Tony Gigot (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Mickaël Goudemand (Dragons Catalans), Benjamin Jullien (Dragons Catalans), Matthieu Laguerre (Dragons Catalans), Samisoni Langi (Dragons Catalans), Corentin Le Cam (Dragons Catalans), Paul Marcon (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Anthony Marion (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Arthur Mourgue (Dragons Catalans), Eloi Pelissier (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Maxime Puech (Albi RL XIII), Arthur Romano (Dragons Catalans), César Rougé (Dragons Catalans), Justin Sangaré (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Paul Séguier (Dragons Catalans), Gadwin Springer (Featherstone Rovers), Maxime Stefani (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Louis Jouffret (Halifax Panthers), Fouad Yaha (Dragons Catalans).

Key Player: On his day Toulouse half Tony Gigot can produce some magical plays. With more than 150 Super League appearances and 16 Test caps to his name, the 31-year-old is vastly experienced and will need to play well if France are any chance of upsetting their more fancied Group A opponents.

Strengths: Unlike previous World Cup campaigns, almost all of France's players will be coming off seasons in the Super League, rather than lower division football. That should give them more of a chance when it comes to matching the game speed the likes of England and Samoa will bring to the game.

Weaknesses: It's likely in the middle of the park that les Chanticleers will struggle. Whether their big men can match it with the stars who will be trotted out by England and Samoa in particular remains to be seen.

History at World Cup: They were runners-up in two of the opening four tournaments, but since 1968 they haven't finished better than third. France will host the next tournament and there is hope that this former giant of international league is on an upward trajectory.

Greece

Squad: Jordan Meads (Captain) (Sunshine Coast), Lachlan Ilias (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Stefanos Bastas (Coventry Bears), Nikolaos Bosmos (Rhodes Knights), Terry Constantinou (Sunbury Tigers), Aris Dardamanis (Aris Eagles), Nick Flocas (Ipswich Jets), Myles Gal (TBC), Jake Kambos (Wests Magpies), Kosta Katsidonis (Rhodes Knights), Greg Koutsimporgiorgos (Aris Eagles), Billy Magoulias (Newtown Jets), Peter Mamouzelos (South Sydney Rabbitohs), John Mitsias (Wests Magpies), Nick Mougios (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Thodoris Nianiakas (Woolston Rovers), Ionnis Nake (TBC), Chaise Robinson (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Ionnis Rousoglou (Aris Eagles), Sebastian Sell (Mittagong Lions), Liam Sui Tin (TBC), Vasili Tsikrikas (Canterbury Bulldogs), Robert Tuliatu (London Broncos), Adam Vrahnos (London Broncos), Mitchell Zampetides (Wests Magpies).

Key Player: Lachlan Ilias comes off a strong first full season in the NRL, helping to take the Rabbitohs to within one game of the Grand Final. But it will be a totally different challenge for him without the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Damien Cook by his side. His defence in particular became a strong point by the end of 2022 and he's a player who can nail the big plays.

Ilias scores a special try

Strengths: There is plenty to like about their halves. Jordan Meads never kicked on at NRL level, but is vastly experienced and a capable playmaker. He came through the junior system with the Warriors and has been playing for Greece since 2014. Alongside Ilias, with his qualities outlined earlier, the Greek side should be well organised in attack.

Weaknesses: They have very little top-flight experience in this squad, with Ilias and his South Sydney teammate Peter Mamouzelos the only players who appeared in the NRL this season. It's an unforgiving group for a developing squad, and Greece will struggle to match the game smarts and intensity of their opponents.

History at World Cup: This is the first time Greece have appeared in a World Cup, but back in 2018 they did get a taste of the experience by taking part in the Emerging Nations World Cup. They have played plenty of footy over the past few years, thanks to their participation in European competitions and qualifiers.

Samoa

Squad: Josh Aloiai (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Fa'amanu Brown (Wests Tigers), Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers), Mathew Feagai (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Braden Hamlin-Uele (Cronulla Sharks), Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors), Royce Hunt (Cronulla Sharks), Oregon Kaufusi (Parramatta Eels), Spencer Leniu (Penrith Panthers), Danny Levi (Huddersfield Giants), Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers), Taylan May (Penrith Panthers), Tyrone May (Catalans Dragons), Anthony Milford (Newcastle Knights), Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Jaydn Su’a (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Joseph Suaalii (Sydney Roosters), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (North Queensland Cowboys), Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers), Martin Taupau (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Kelma Tuilagi (Wests Tigers), Ligi Sao (Hull FC).

Key Player: It will be a big advantage for Samoa that their chief playmaker is coming off a Grand Final win and a strong 2022 season, and much of their success in the close games will come down to how well Jarome Luai can manage the game. While much of the kicking duties at Penrith fall to his halves partner Nathan Cleary, it's likely Luai will take on a more dominant role for Samoa. His energy and enthusiasm will also be crucial.

In the winner's sheds: Jarome Luai

Strengths: It's a brilliant forward pack. Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo were among the best props in the NRL this season and hurt teams with their second-phase play, between them offloading 86 times in their combined 51 games. Add to that the presence of veteran first-graders Josh Aloiai, Martin Taupau and Jaydn Su’a, and this is a group not to be taken lightly.

Weaknesses: A lack of a recognised fullback probably won't matter too much during group play, but could be a factor if and when Samoa advance to the playoffs of the tournament. Stephen Crichton, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Joseph Suaalii and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are the leading contenders, but none of them spent regular time at the back in the 2022 season.

History at World Cup: Across three prior World Cup outings, Samoa have won 41 percent of their games and they remain somewhat of a sleeping giant in the eyes of many. This squad is the best ever assembled by the island nation and there is genuine thought that Matt Parish's side could follow the lead of Tonga in becoming an international heavyweight.