Graham unleashes Addo-Carr as Kiwis, Tonga slip up

Wade Graham says it's simple – if there's any grass in front of Josh Addo-Carr, make sure he gets the footy.

The flyer benefitted from Graham's silky skills to score a first-half double as Australia downed New Zealand 25-12 to open their World Cup 9s account at Bankwest Stadium on Friday.

Co-captain Graham sent Addo-Carr on a long run down the sideline to score less than a minute into the match before perfectly kicking deep for the winger to touch down again.

"He's easy to play with, mate. Just put the ball in space and he's going to win the race most times," said Graham, who showed that Nines isn't all about the backs.

Shaun Johnson had a few moments of magic for the Kiwis but the Kangaroos dominated from the outset.

"We don't read too much into that. Possession determines a lot of how the games go. We'll enjoy tonight and see how we go tomorrow," said Graham.

Earlier, Cook Islands stunned the much-fancied Tonga Invitational side in a 30-7 blitz to sit atop the Pool C standings.

Despite captain Alex Glenn being ruled out on game day due to a groin injury, the Kukis piled on six tries with young guns like Kayal Iro and Steven Marsters rising to the occasion.

"We were ready to take them hard. I'm stoked for the win," said Iro, the nephew of coach Tony.

Tonga missed the impact of star prop Andrew Fifita, who was being rotated and didn't feature. His downcast teammates declined to comment on the lacklustre showing.

England made a statement in a 25-4 victory over Wales, ex-New Zealand Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins recording 68 metres and a try in an electric display.

Raiders-bound playmaker George Williams began strongly on Australian soil, notching up a try assist in a commanding first stanza.

"It's a bit different to the English weather but I enjoyed it," said Williams between heavy breaths straight after play.

"I'm just finding my feet but I'm sure I'll get better as the tournament goes on … Now we've got a taste of it we can have a chat amongst ourselves and talk some tactics."

Samoa burst out of the gates versus Fiji and went on to claim a 32-17 victory.

NRL players Jarome Luai, David Nofoaluma, Moses Leota and Brian To'o etched their names on the scoresheet, while Fiji and Parramatta hero Maika Sivo added yet another try at the Eels' home as a consolation.

"I wouldn't say it was easy. We just turned up with a winning attitude and it was good the boys put on that performance," said Samoan forward Luciano Leilua.

"We're hoping for the same outcome [on Saturday] – we can get a win for both games."

In the opening fixture, a first-half brace to powerful Western Suburbs reserve grade winger Bilal Marbaani inspired an under-strength Lebanon to a 12-8 boilover against France.

"I've never scored for Lebanon. I'm really happy it worked out like that," said an emotional Marbaani.

"It means a lot. I've been dreaming of this since I was 12 years old. I've always wanted to just play for Lebanon."

Papua New Guinea defeated the USA 27-10 to round out the night.