BONFIRE night is next Tuesday, but I’ve got a feeling there could be fireworks before then as England face Samoa in the second and final test match of the series in Leeds on Saturday.

In the opening game last weekend, there was tension straight from the off as the England boys stood toe-to-toe with the Samoans as they performed the Siva Tau - the visitors' cultural war dance.

The BBC cameras focused on Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, who never broke eye contact with his opposite number, their forehead's touching at times. This showed the England players wouldn’t be intimidated.

Unfortunately, the next 80 minutes didn’t quite match the pre-game intensity, and the Samoans for large periods didn’t show the same energy levels they did in their ritual.

However, tempers did rise just minutes before full-time - Hull FC’s John Asiata and John Bateman being the ring leaders.

It certainly wasn’t the old-school ‘flare up’ I remember though, with virtually all 26 players swinging handbags, pulling collars or calling names.

However, I get why. Today's rules and regulations would see you missing half of next season for anything more aggressive.

Two minutes later, both teams shook hands and showed mutual respect like rugby league players always do - no doubt to the amazement of the casual BBC2 viewer! That is one of my favourite things about this great sport.

England dominated the first half on Sunday, chalking up a 16-0 lead after just 20 minutes. Skipper George Williams picked up the Man of the Match award, but for me the best player on the park by a country mile was Herbie Farnworth, closely followed by Warrington winger Matty Ashton.

Along with Williams, it was England's three best players who crossed for those opening three scores.

Samoa did hit back, but only from an England mistake. Saints hooker Daryl Clark threw an interception pass to debutant winger Deine Mariner, who raced away under the posts to give the South Sea Islanders some hope of a comeback.

The hosts, who led 16-6 at half time, were then first on the scoresheet in the second 40. It was that man Farnworth again, displaying great footwork and strength to get his nose through the opposition line before delivering an exceptional flick pass to the supporting Victor Radley.

Samoa probably scored the try of the game next, with Mariner claiming his second after some magical of the cuff rugby, but any hopes of another comeback were soon put to bed as the outstanding Ashton claimed his second.

Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Mikey Lewis, who had to settle for a place on the bench with Shaun Wane opting for Wigan’s Harry Smith, crossed for England's final try after great work by Jack Welsby and giant winger Dom Young.

Samoan sub Gordon Chan Kum Tong had the last say as he powered over for Samoas third, but it was too little, too late.

England coach Shaun Wane was, unsurprisingly, far from impressed by his team's performance. There were too many unforced errors from a team who have continuously talked about standards, and the boss admitted that showing ‘wouldn’t have troubled Australia’.

I’ll be honest, I was massively disappointed with Samoa. They asked very few questions of the England defence, and to say they are all top-class NRL players, their defence left a lot to be desired.

Watching the game live I never felt that England wouldn’t win, and judging by the atmosphere in the Brick Community Stadium many felt the same.

Let’s hope we see a much-improved Samoa next Saturday at Headingley, and a far more competitive game.

England are 2/11 favourites with principal partners Betfred to record another victory.

If Farnworth, Williams and Co. can also improve on Sunday's display, I can’t see anything but a home win either.

Back to the Saints for a minute. We are still awaiting any news on more significant signings ahead of the 2025 season. In the meantime, it's great news that a number of homegrown stars, including Jon Bennison, Will Roberts, Ben Davies and Jake Burns, have all agreed new one-year contracts with the club.

In a sport with a salary cap, it’s important to have a good blend of youngsters coming through the ranks - and as we saw last year they certainly get their chance to play with all the injuries and suspensions.

Finally, St Helens' favourite cockney, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, is now a fully fledged Firefighter!

Not only qualifying but being named top new recruit in his class. He clearly showed the commitment and passion that made him a fan-favourite at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

God help Merseyside Fire and Rescue though… ear defenders at the ready!