Poching believes Daryl Powell will be “disappointed” by Warrington Wolves star’s form

Former Wakefield Trinity boss Willie Poching will be hoping Samoa can get to a first Rugby League World Cup Final this weekend as a former player but he can’t help but be impressed with England.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, he said: “It’ll be very tough for Samoa, England have been fantastic, one thing I have been impressed with is how together they are as a team, they’re very settled, there has been very little disruption in the camp.

“They’ve been able to stay at the same training base which no one else has had.

“They’re playing really well and the highlight for me with this England squad is how many players are playing their season best right now.”

He went on to pick two players who best summarise this point noting that their Super League coach may even be disappointed to see them play so well now: “Chris Hill has been good for Huddersfield, but he hasn’t played this well for England for a long time, George Williams best form.

“Daryl Powell will be disappointed that he’s playing so well and he’ll want him to play like that next year.

“The way he’s gelled with Jack Welsby in the halves and the form he has taken it is so dangerous for Samoa.”

Williams will need to keep up that form going into this weekend’s semi-final if England are to get the win over Samoa and if he can sustain it in Super League he and Powell may be looking at a silverware laden season.