Bumper crowds watch hosts and defending champions get off to a flyer

Rugby League World Cup 2021 chief executive Jon Dutton was delighted to get the tournament underway after many years of planning with a fantastic Saturday of action in front of bumper crowds. The men's tournament began with an emphatic 60-6 victory for hosts England over Samoa with 43,119 in attendance at St James' Park while defending champions Australia got the better of Fiji at Headingley, 42-8 to bring the day's cumulative crowd just under 60,000.

Ad Before kick-off in Newcastle, former England international Rob Burrow, who has motor neurone disease, was given a rousing reception as chief guest. Rugby LeagueGreece's incredible journey to their Rugby League World Cup debut34 MINUTES AGO The Official Tournament Welcome saw former internationals Kevin Sinfield and Jason Robinson bring out the men's trophy, RFL president Clare Balding and local resident Fareeha Usman — who has been recognised as a voice for equality and diversity in the community — delivered the women's trophy, while ambassador James Simpson and Newcastle Rugby Foundation head Mel Magee carried the wheelchair trophy.

Dutton said: «It was an incredible England performance that few could have predicted. »We started the tournament with Rob Burrow as our chief guest and it's great to see people who represent the sports values involved in the Tournament Welcome.

«It was a really strong first day attendance and we understand that there were more people inside the stadium from the North East than any other region of England. »I think that says a lot about tournaments, that they can attract new spectators.

People came, had a great time and saw a great performance and it really does set us up now for the next 59 games. «To start so strongly puts us in a really