The Rugby League World Cup starts this weekend!

England, host of the 16th edition of the World Cup, will take on Samoa on Saturday, October 15, in the competition’s opening game.

Sam Tomkins, England’s captain, Mike McMeeken and Micky McIlorum will be up against Tyrone May in this Group A clash.

France will start the tournament on Monday against Greece. The 13 Dragons’ players who represent their country will be aiming for a win to kick-off their tournament in the best possible way.

Future Dragons player Siosiua Taukeiaho will defend Tonga’s colours over Papua New Guinea on Tuesday in the first match of the Group D.

Dylan Napa will face Wales with Cook Islands the following day to round off the first day of the group stage.

World Cup fixtures (CEST)

Saturday 15 October

Group A
3.30pm | beIN SPORTS 3
England vs Samoa
St James' Park, Newcastle

Group B
8.30pm | beIN SPORTS 3
Australia vs Fidji
Headingley Stadium, Leeds

Sunday 16 October

Group B
3.30pm | beIN SPORTS Max 4
Scotland vs Italy
Kingston Park, Newcastle

Group C
18h00 | beIN SPORTS Max 7
Jamaica vs Ireland
Headingley Stadium, Leeds

Group C
20h30 | beIN SPORTS 3
New Zealand vs Lebanon
Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington

Monday 17 October

Group A
20h30 | beIN SPORTS 2
France vs Greece
Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster

Tuesday 18 October

Group D
20h30 | beIN SPORTS 2
Tonga vs Papoua New Guinea
Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens

Wednesday 18 October

Group D
20h30 | beIN SPORTS 2
Wales vs Cook Islands
Leigh Sports Village, Leigh

The Dragons in action

France
Alrix Da Costa
Jordan Dezaria
Benjamin Garcia
Mickael Goudemand
Benjamin Jullien
Matthieu Laguerre
Samisoni Langi
Corentin Le Cam
Arthur Mourgue
Arthur Romano
César Rougé
Paul Séguier
Fouad Yaha

England
Micky McIlorum
Mike McMeeken
Sam Tomkins

Samoa
Tyrone May

Cook Islands
Dylan Napa

Tonga
Siosiua Taukeiaho