England held off a physical Samoa side to claim a hard-fought victory in the opening match of their two-Test series.

The result provided the hosts with a small measure of revenge for their World Cup semi-final defeat to the Pacific Islanders in 2022.

First-half tries from Herbie Farnworth, Matty Ashton and George Williams set Shaun Wane’s side on their way in Wigan, although Deine Mariner’s interception try brought Ben Gardiner’s team back into the contest before the interval.

A break from England captain Williams and some superb handling from Farnworth allowed Victor Radley to go over as England reasserted their authority.

But Samoa responded almost immediately, with Mariner, one of their eight debutants, collecting the ball from Jarome Luai to score in the left corner.

However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished by Ashton’s second try of the afternoon, while Super League’s Man of Steel, Mikey Lewis, also crossed. Gordon Chan Kum Tong scored a late consolation try for the tourists in an entertaining contest.

As the clock ticked down, tempers flared between England second row John Bateman and Samoa’s John Asiata, prompting a melee that involved nearly all 26 players. It suggested sparks may fly when the teams meet again in six days’ time at Headingley in Leeds.