England versus Samoa: Victor Radley chasing World Cup revenge

Victor Radley is used to inflicting brutal hits, but it was the Sydney Roosters star was on the receiving end of a bell ringer when he landed in England – and it was delivered by his own coach.

He underperformed.

England rugby league coach Shaun Wane has taken a veiled swipe at Victor Radley after the Sydney Roosters forward threw a match-defining intercept pass during a high-pressure World Cup semi-final two years ago.

NRL star Radley is back representing England in a two-Test series against the Jarome Luai-led Samoa.

Wane recalled the heartbreaking moment Radley threw an ill-fated pass which was snatched by Samoan centre Stephen Crichton, who scored a pivotal 60 metre, 74th minute try.

With momentum, Samoa secured a famous 27-26 golden point win to advance to the World Cup final against Australia in November, 2022.

Samoa's Joseph Suaali'i consoles England's Victor Radley after the Rugby League World Cup semi-final. Picture: Getty Images

“The fact that he underperformed in that semi-final against Samoa will be a big motivator for him,” Wane said.

“As soon as I knew he was fit to play, I wanted to get him on a plane and get him over – he brings that much.”

Days after the loss to Samoa, Radley was involved in a punch-up with Ireland player James Bentley.

Radley stepped in after Bentley was allegedly abusing Wane.

The Roosters hit man sustained a fractured scapula in round 26 this year but miraculously returned three weeks later for a week two finals match against Manly.

He also played the preliminary final against Melbourne Storm.

“I was concerned at one time, breaking his shoulder blade the way he did, but he’s a tough character and the Roosters medical staff have done a great job with him and he brings everything,” Wane said.

“He’s really popular, he buys into our English culture and he’s really popular within the lads and they all speak very highly of him, he trains so hard and his standards are so high.”

The first Test will be played this Monday morning (Australian time) in Wigan with the second Test at Headingley, Leeds, on Sunday, November 3.

More than 12,000 tickets have been sold with a crowd of around 15,000 expected to watch the first Test.

Wane spoke glowingly of Radley’s England and Roosters teammate, Dom Young, who will also play Samoa.

“Dom brings a lot of excitement,” Wane said.

“His height, speed and technique – he is a great player and the fact we missed him last year makes it even more exciting for all the England fans to come out and watch him play.

Dominic Young will line up for England against Samoa. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s an unbelievable talent, a great lad and the way he managed himself through his illness (a sinus infection which spread to his brain) last year.

“I was gutted he couldn’t play for us – it was a testing time for everybody, but I’m looking forward to watching him play this weekend.”

Captained by former Canberra grand final halfback George Williams, England will start $1.28 favourites, according to TAB, with Samoa $3.70 outsiders.

“The talent Samoa has in their team is immense – no question – but I think we’ve improved, the time we’ve had together our bond and togetherness has improved and you can tell when the lads get together there’s an immediate spirit in there,” Wane said.

“They’ve got really, really talented players in a fantastic competition, the NRL, but I think we’ve got better and I think this two-match series will be an improvement on last year.”

Samoa coach Ben Gardiner added: “Two great grounds to play two great Test matches.”

Originally published as England versus Samoa: Victor Radley chasing World Cup revenge