Rugby League fans disagree as England v Australia Ashes venues confirmed

After confirmation of the England versus Australia Ashes series this year, rugby league fans have been debating the three stadiums selected.

After months of speculation, it has finally been confirmed that England will host Australia on October 25th, November 1st and November 8th as the rugby league Ashes is held for the first time since 2003, with England facing Australia for the first time 2017.

It will also mark the first time that Australia have toured England since then so selecting the three venues for that was a major task for those involved.

Wembley will hold the first game, Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Docks Stadium holds the second, whilst the series concludes at Headingley in Leeds.

England v Australia Rugby League Ashes Test series confirmed with ticket details revealed

Naturally, those choices will irritate some fans and delight others so we asked rugby league fans how they feel about the venues for this year’s England and Australia Rugby League Ashes. It’s safe to say that there was a huge split in opinions.

Rugby League fans disagree as England v Australia Ashes venues confirmed

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Some were just happy that the series had been confirmed with Australia touring England for the first time in 22 years delighting fans.

Philip Studholme: “You’ve got to be happy when the best teams come to play. Can’t wait.”

Andrew Lownsborough: “Main thing is at least we are actually getting a 3 match Test series against the Aussies. Who cares about the venues?”

Others picked out their favourite stadiums of the selection and praised the choices.

David Dunn: “As a season ticket holder at Everton and Wire, me and my son are over the moon. It could be an alternative ground for Magic Weekend and the Grand Final. Great for the sport.”

Peter Turner: “Very happy. Bramley Moore looks magnificent. Wembley is a must to try and spread the game. Headingley best traditional RL ground.”

Paul Guppy: “Good news about Wembley if the RFL promote the game here in the south (they normally keep it a secret).”

Neil Robinson: “I think they’re ideal choices. The first test is always a good crowd because it’s the first test. And with it being the first one in many years, Wembley will do very well – virtually everyone I’ve spoken to plans on going. Everton is inspired. New stadium and it will look fantastic, both there and on the TV. This will sell well whether we win or lose the first test. Even Headingley is a good choice for the third. If its a dead rubber you’ll still get 20k there. If its a decider, the ground will be fill, and it will look epic on TV, especially for the enlarged TV audience you’re going to get.”

However, some were more skeptical about the selections.

Filip Price: “57,034 went to the last GB test in 94 at Wembley. Personally, I’d have Headingley if we have to, first. Small partisan crowed behind GB and get the Aussies rattled. May not win but at least let them know they’re here for a test series. I can see the sense in a London test … As for the final test being at Headingley, I’m suspicious that the RFL think it will be 2-0 to the Aussies at this point so a smaller test ground will be adequate.”

Martin Gore: “Leeds ground absolutely pathetic. Quarter of fans get wet in that shambolic pathetic ground. Plenty of places better equipped, again no idea from the RFL and limited brain storming.”

Andy Ed: “Headingley is farcical. 20k stadium, what if it’s a decider? Wembley will have 30k empty seats and Headingley 30k unfulfilled demand. The powers that run our game are clueless. Three venues similar size to Everton is what’s needed… Tottenham or Arsenal, Everton, Elland Road or Ethiad should have been the choices.”

Kenny Hall: “Can’t believe they haven’t picked rugby mad Hull. 25,000 would have sold out in no time. Wembley will be lucky to be half full. They just don’t get it!”