The St George Illawarra Dragons were represented in six of the seven week one games in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Taane Milne played a huge role in Fiji's 58-12 demolition job of the United States of America. Joined by Dragons Under-20s utility Joe Lovodua, Milne lined up in the centres and scored 12 points for the Bati (two tries, two goals) as well as produce two try assists.
Australia earned a tough 18-4 win over England in Melbourne, with Josh Dugan able to score a late intercept try and record 271 metres. Dragons back-rower Tyson Frizell came off the bench for the Kangaroos and produced a tradesmanlike performance.
2018 recruit James Graham competed to the very end – where he racked up 163 metres and 42 tackles – while Dragons skipper Gareth Widdop looked most threatening for England after he set up their only try via Jermaine McGillvary.
Nene Macdonald scored in Papua New Guinea's 50-6 defeat of Wales in Port Moresby, while Siliva Havili provided a try assist for Tonga in their 50-4 win over Scotland in Cairns.
Russell Packer came off the bench for New Zealand in their 38-8 win over Samoa in Auckland. Dragons and Samoan duo Tim Lafai and Leeson Ah Mau will now look towards a huge showing against the Tongans in Hamilton next weekend.
It will take a miracle for Paul Vaughan's Italy to progress to the knockout stages following their shock 36-12 loss to Ireland in Cairns.
In other Rugby League World Cup results, Lebanon all but booked their place in the quarter finals following a Mitch Moses-inspired 29-18 win over France in Canberra.
2017 Rugby League World Cup week one results:
Australia 18 (Matt Gillett, Billy Slater, Josh Dugan tries; Cameron Smith 3 goals) defeated England 4 (Jermaine McGillvary try) at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Papua New Guinea 50 (David Mead 3, Rhyse Martin 2, Nene MacDonald, Kato Ottio, Wellington Albert, Justin Olam, Paul Aiton tries; Rhyse Martin 5 goals) defeated Wales 6 (Regan Grace try; Courtney Davies goal) at Oil Search National Football Stadium.
New Zealand 38 (Jordan Rapana, Shaun Johnson, Brad Takairangi, Kodi Nikorima, Isaac Liu, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Nelson Asofa-Solomona tries; Shaun Johnson 5 goals) defeated Samoa 8 (Ken Maumalo, Joseph Paulo tries) at Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland.
Fiji 58 (Taane Milne 2, Kevin Naiqama 2, Suliasi Vunivalu 2, Akuila Uate, Kane Evans, Jarryd Hayne, Viliame Kikau, Henry Raiwalui tries; Apisai Koroisau 5, Taane Milne 2 goals) defeated USA 12 (Matt Shipway, Junior Vaivai tries; Bureta Faraimo 2 goals) at 1300 Smiles Stadium.
Ireland 36 (Liam Kay 2, George King, Kyle Amor, Michael Morgan, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook tries; Liam Finn 6 goals) defeated Italy 12 (Justin Castellaro, Nathan Milone tries; Josh Mantellato 2 goals) at Barlow Park.
Mate Ma'a Tonga 50 (Michael Jennings 3, Daniel Tupou 2, Jason Taumalolo, Sika Manu, Peni Terepo, Ata Hingano tries; Sio Siua Taukeiaho 6, Ata Hingano 1 goal(s)) defeated Scotland 4 (Danny Addy try) at Barlow Park, Cairns.
Lebanon 29 (Travis Robinson 2, Anthony Layoun, Adam Doueihi, Mitch Moses tries; Mitch Moses 4 goals; Mitch Moses field goal) defeated France 18 (Bastien Ader 2, Damien Cardace tries; William Barthau 3 goals) at Canberra Stadium.
