TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA // Lee Smith scored three tries today as England opened the Rugby League World Cup with a 33-22 win over Papua New Guinea. England trailed 16-12 at half-time, but came back with a strong second half to beat the Pacific Island team in the first match of the monthlong, 10-team tournament. France plays Scotland in Canberra and the defending champions Australia play New Zealand in Sydney tomorrow.
Scores: England 32 (Lee Smith 3, Ade Gardner 2, Martin Gleeson tries; Kevin Sinfield 4 goals) def. Papua New Guinea 22 (Paul Aiton, Jason Chan, Rob Griffin, George Keppa tries; John Wilshere 3 goals). HT: 12-16.