Final England-Tonga Test Match set for amazing attendance

The home of Leeds Rhinos has plenty of history behind it since it was built in 1890. It was at the forefront of rugby league when the Northern Union split from the South to create what would become Rugby League.

Headingley was home to a number of Challenge Cup Finals, internationals and historic games throughout Leeds RL’s history before and after they would become the Leeds Rhinos.

However, internationals have been less frequent at Headingley in recent times, at least ones involving England or Great Britain. Ironically, New Zealand have played more frequently at Headingley in the last decade than England.

New Zealand played two games there in the 2013 World Cup, played against Leeds in 2015 before taking on England in a Test Series prior to meeting them again at Headingley before last year’s World Cup.

That was followed up by another fixture at Headingley during the tournament. As for England, they haven’t played at Headingley since a last minute 16-12 defeat to the Exiles in 2011. That game saw Leeds star Danny Buderus captain the first Exiles team to a win over England.

The last time Great Britain played there was in a friendly against France in 2007. But England will return to Headingley this week to complete the Test Series against Tonga having already won the Series but are aiming for a series whitewash over Kristian Woolf’s men.

Serious About Rugby League understands that already 10,000 tickets have been sold for the game which is an impressive tally well before the game and this will hopefully increase. One problem could of course be the fact the series has already been won.

Could this turn down potential interest? Leeds fans will have the chance to see one of their stars in the shape of Harry Newman play after he impressed in his home town of Huddersfield in the second tets.

The first test at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium recorded an attendance of 12,898 whilst many fans were disappointed by the attendance at the John Smith’s Stadium. That was only 11,210 with many hoping the game would reach 15,000 or more. The rain perhaps worked against ticket sales.