England beat Australia in Wheelchair World Cup opener

Nathan Collins is playing at his second World Cup

England got their Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a 38-8 win over Australia.

England, 2008 winners and two-time beaten finalists, are favourites for the title along with holders France.

Lewis King scored on his World Cup debut while Collins added four goals.

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Australia started stronger and moments after Diab Karim had a try disallowed, they forced a goal-line drop out and an error from Rob Hawkins allowed Karim in for the opening score.

England were patient as Australia dictated play and on 19 minutes, Coyd, the brother of coach Tom, got through.

The try, combined with the introduction of Brown, one of two World Cup winners from 2008 still playing for England, gave them a spark and moments later a sweeping move put Coyd in for his second try.

Brown and Seb Bechara then started to exert their influence on the game and with the Wheelaroos also conceding penalties, the momentum was with England.

Although they maintained their dominance with King and Collins adding to the scoring, there is plenty of room for improvement before their next game against Spain on Sunday.

In the opening match of the eight-team tournament, also in Group A, Theo Gonzalez finished with 25 points as the Spanish defeated Ireland 55-32.

Although Phil Roberts, a World Cup winner with England in 2008, gave the Irish an early lead, the Spanish quickly took control of the match, scoring 30 unanswered points in the first half.

Ireland captain Peter Johnston Jr led his side with four tries and four goals, but the Spanish side ran out comfortable winners.