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George Clarke

Radley reminds England of Samoa threat

Roosters' Victor Radley, who's been a World Cup star for England, is ready for a Samoan backlash. (Brendon Thorne/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

England lock Victor Radley says his side can't expect Samoa to roll over in the same way they did in their tournament opener when the two sides lock horns in this weekend's semi-final.

Samoa were thrashed 60-6 by England in the first game of the Rugby League World Cup but will get a shot at revenge when they travel to London's Emirates Stadium on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

The Samoans have been boosted by the inclusion of captain Junior Paulo, who was cleared to play in the game after being hit with a one-match suspension stemming from their quarter-final win over Tonga.

"They are definitely going to be stronger," Radley said.

"But we are going to be strong as well.

"They are big powerful lads, it'll take 17 hard Englishmen to stop them and that's what we've got."

Radley watched the Samoa-Tonga clash and was impressed with the performance of his Sydney Roosters teammate Joseph Suaalii.

The 19-year-old is getting his first shot at fullback in the Samoan jersey and was a constant threat with one of his pinballing runs led to the match-winning try.

"He's a young freak and he's been their best player at this tournament," Radley said.

"He's going to run hard and we know it's coming and we are going to have to get in front of him and hit him hard.

"He's a really tough player, skilful player, everyone says once in a generation, but he is and we're going to have to do a job on him."

Despite their dominance of Samoa in the opening game of the tournament, England coach Shaun Wane, who will welcome back Canterbury prop Luke Thompson, will lean into underdog status once again.

"You look at Samoa and they have six or seven players who played in the NRL grand final," Wane said.

"The NRL is a fantastic competition. We didn't have anybody in our team (in the NRL grand final).

"On paper, they've got some great players in that team, so do New Zealand and Australia, so we do look at ourselves that way."

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