The predictions are in for week three of the Rugby League World Cup, with England’s Men and Women both vying for a spot in the semi-finals.

With both games taking place on Friday, it’s the Women who are up first, and Stuart Barrow’s side take on Samoa for the first time ever in a winner-take-all clash in Wollongong.

Coming off the back of a 78-0 defeat to the Jillaroos and suffering the loss of back-rower Eva Hunter, it isn’t the ideal prep for what is essentially a quarter-final game, but the squad are adamant they don’t want the journey to end, something that should spur them on.

Meanwhile, it’s been well-publicised what Brian McDermott’s men need to do to qualify for the final four. Not only do they need to win by 68 points against Papua New Guinea, but they also need to hope that Tonga defeat Samoa on Sunday morning.

The boss has made a couple of changes to his side, which was originally published on Tuesday. Both Brad O’Neill and Kallum Watkins join the line-up on the bench, as they make way for Ben Currie and Victor Radley.

Below are our writers’ predictions for both matches, with calls split on whether England Women will make it through to the knockout stages.

England Men and Women’s predictions with Rugby League World Cup semi-finals on the line

England Women v Samoa Women – Friday 30th October @ 6:45am

Sam Cook: England 18-24 Samoa, Player of the Match: Mary-Jane Taito

England know they must win this game, but it will be a tough ask against a side comprising plenty of NRLW experience. The loss of Eva Hunter among others is another dent, and as such, Stuart Barrow’s side may have their World Cup end early.

Sam Brocksom: England 22-18 Samoa, Player of the Match: Fran Goldthorp

Perhaps it’s just me being an optimistic Englishman, but the Women’s side have a much better chance of making the semis, and I’m backing them to do so. Samoa are a physical side and will likley win the pack battle, but I’ve got faith in England’s spine and backline to outclass their attacking counterparts.

England v Papua New Guinea – Friday 30th October @ 9:05am 

Sam Cook: England 50-10 Papua New Guinea, Player of the Match: Hugo Savala

England know they have to chase points, but that can often lead to teams overplaying and forcing matters. They should still click but not to the level required to make up the points difference.

Sam Brocksom: England 40-4 PNG, Player of the Match: George Williams

The Kumuls are a much more physical and far more equipped side than France were, so expect the grinding-out phase of the match to last longer than it did in week two. That being said, with no Edwin Ipape, Morea Morea or Lachlan Lam, PNG could have trouble finding their attacking spark. I’m expecting England to win comfortably, but not by enough that it keeps them in realistic semi-final contention.

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