Wigan Warriors star Izzy Rowe on record-equalling England display, Wales win and Australia test

Wigan Warriors halfback Izzy Rowe made history on Saturday as she starred in England’s 70-6 win over Wales in their Rugby League World Cup opener.

The 19-year-old scored two tries and kicked nine goals to finish with 26 points on Saturday, matching Natalie Gilmour’s record for the most points scored by an England women’s player in an international match.

However, the Wiganer was quick to praise her teammates for helping her produce the performance, admitting she had not been aware of the record before kick-off!

“I didn’t (know about it) - I don’t really look at those kinds of things before a game,” she smiled.

“I just go into it knowing I need to do my job and things will come on the back of that, but I think all the girls did a really amazing job - they showed a lot of toughness and made my job a lot easier.”

Rowe is experiencing her first World Cup and described representing England alongside players she has grown up with and admired as a dream come true.

“It’s been a dream,” she added.

“I’m playing with girls that I grew up with and girls I’ve grown up watching, so it’s a dream come true and I just can’t wait to keep going and see how far we can get.”

Rowe also praised the influence of England’s NRLW-based players, who have brought valuable experience to a squad featuring several young talents.

“We’ve got an amazing set of girls,” she said. “I think we’re all getting along really well.

“They’ve brought a bit of experience - they obviously know what the competition is like over here. There are a lot of young girls in the squad, so they’ve brought that kind of experience and knowledge and have helped boost us and improve our confidence - but all the girls have been really getting on.”

England now face a much tougher challenge against defending champions Australia on Saturday, after the Jillaroos opened their campaign with a 40-0 win over Samoa.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Rowe said. “I’ve watched the competition for several years now, and I’ve looked up to those players for many years.

“It’s going to be a tough competition and a tough game, but I’m really looking forward to it.”