WARRINGTON Wolves winger Tom Lineham scored on his international debut as England Knights won their opening tour match in Papua New Guinea 16-12.
Lineham gave Paul Anderson’s boys a lead they never lost in the 31st minute in conditions of high humidity in front of a noisy crowd in Lae.
He got on the end of a passing movement after the Kumuls had spilled possession on their own 20-metre line.
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Goal-kicking proved to be the difference in the final reckoning, with Wire’s Dec Patton landing two from three conversion attempts while PNG missed all of theirs.
England, who also featured Wolves' Jack Hughes, Toby King and Joe Philbin in their 17, failed to score in the second period but secured victory courtesy of a gutsy defensive showing.
Maddest day of my life playing in Lae today. Such a passionate set of fans who love there rugby absolutely unreal. Class to do it with my brother 💯💪🏾 @tobyking96 pic.twitter.com/ZTh4v8s8rJ
— Joe Philbin (@philbss) October 27, 2018
PNG twice held the lead in the first half.
They went in front in the 13th minute when a kick was patted back for Brendon Nima to score out wide.
England responded eight minutes later when Leeds Rhinos’ Liam Sutcliffe crossed and Patton added the extras Moses Maninga burst through several England defenders from 20 metres to restore the Kumuls advantage in the 26th minute.
The back-and-to scoring continued five minutes later though as Lineham’s touch down made it 10-8 to the tourists.
Four minutes before the interval Kruise Leeming did the spadework for Wigan wingman Tom Davies to get over the whitewash, with Patton converting.
England conceded a number of penalties leading up to PNG’s 50th-minute try before the final 30 minutes were played out without a point being added.
The sides will meet again in Port Moresby next Saturday.
Warm-ups underway in Lae ahead of the Knights facing @PNG_Kumuls today
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 27, 2018
💪 pic.twitter.com/A4MzsnZQ39
The fans are here and the atmosphere is sounding great 👌 pic.twitter.com/4bWYyj00On
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 27, 2018
Teams are out ready for kick-off in Lae as we face @PNGKumulsRL pic.twitter.com/B85aJJUj8A
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 27, 2018
THE KNIGHTS 👊 pic.twitter.com/6X2t2QeBwU
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 26, 2018
HT: PNG 8-16 Knights
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 27, 2018
Solid first half from the boys with tries from Sutcliffe, Lineham and Davies pic.twitter.com/ZJemqBcMCv
66’ PNG 12-16 Knights
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 27, 2018
Defence holding up well against PNG pressure pic.twitter.com/wfydmwBKUD
KNIGHTS WIN 🙌
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 27, 2018
The boys take a 16-12 win over @PNGKumulsRL in Lae pic.twitter.com/pN0B2LHwD0
Proud moment presented my first @England_RL Knights shirt by the legend @PScully13 Bring on tomorrow against PNG 🇵🇬🏉 pic.twitter.com/p7V69za0gX
— Toby king (@TobyKing96) October 26, 2018
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