James Graham will lead England in the opening match of the Four Nations Series against Samoa in Brisbane on Saturday after newly-appointed captain Sean O'Loughlin was ruled out through injury. O'Loughlin, who was appointed as the successor to Kevin Sinfield, has failed to recover from a quad muscle injury sustained during Wigan's Super League Grand Final defeat to St Helens 10 days ago. England say the loose forward is making good progress in his recovery and is expected to play in England's second match against Australia in Melbourne on November 2. Canterbury Bulldogs star James Graham (centre) will captain England against Samoa on Saturday
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England face Samoa in Brisbane on Saturday
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New captain Sean O'Louhghlin has been ruled out with a muscle injury
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Canterbury Bulldogs' James Graham will be skipper in his absence
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O'Loughlin is expected to be fit to face Australia on November 2
'The Samoa match has come too soon but we remain confident he'll be ready for @placeholder the week after.