“A lack of ambition” – How social media reacted to England test series as fans not happy about one aspect

There was some very big news announced this morning.

England will host Tonga in a three-Test series this Autumn – the first ever international series between the two nations and the first time they have met since 2017’s memorable Rugby League World Cup Semi-final in Auckland.

Tonga last played England in this country in the 2006 Federation Shield Final – won by 32-14 by England – and the two did not meet again until the November 2017 when the Polynesians, trailing 20-0 with only seven minutes remaining, came within a whisker of overturning the deficit and denying England a final place at the death, eventually losing 20-18.

The three games will be held at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium, Huddersfield Giants’ John Smith’s Stadium and Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley.

But how have fans reacted to this news?

Despite it being terrific news, one fan described it as “a missed opportunity” not having a game outside the heartlands.

Another opportunity lost.
Play internationals outside of Yorkshire & historic Lancashire.

— Rugby League Dinosaur (@DinosaurLeague) April 28, 2023

This was a common belief among fans with people suggesting games in London, Coventry and Newcastle.

2 of the 3 tests in the heartland is fair enough, but maybe could have had the other 1 in London, Newcastle, Coventry etc

— Thirteen-A-Side (@13_A_Side_) April 28, 2023

St James’ Park, which hosted last year’s World Cup opener and many Magic Weekend’s, and many were surprised it wasn’t included whilst people suggested they should have considered Elland Road which hosted the World Cup semi-final.

Should’ve maybe tried St James Park again, was brilliant in the World Cup, and Elland Road?

— Hull FC Fanpage_ (@Hullfcfanpage_) April 28, 2023

These questions were prominent among social media.

Great to have more international rugby league confirmed. However I hope conversations were held with stadia outside the heartlands. There should've been one game in an expansion area.

— Phil (@_PhilWorld) April 28, 2023

However, some fans were simply delighted by the news.

Excellent news!

— Simon Parker (@pender81) April 28, 2023

Good news this 👌🏻💯 https://t.co/OoqluPmAWR

— Greg Scott (@GregScott44) April 28, 2023

But others continued to remain disappointed by what they called a “lack of ambition.”

Nothing says lack of ambition than those 3 grounds 🙄 https://t.co/LpnvQsK1hr

— Davy Hibbert (@Davy_Hibs) April 28, 2023

Great to see. Fuck Australia. So many other teams we can be playing every year. Hopefully Tonga pick up a “warm up” against Wales on their way through https://t.co/h4q5ChDgvn

— Chris Holme (@chrisholme1983) April 28, 2023