Rivals Round saw Super League set a new attendance record this weekend as fans piled into stadiums to watch their sides in action. Given the games played in round eight, this week was always going to be well-attended, but a total of 86,080 went through the turnstiles across the competition, trumping anything seen before for a six-game round.
The previous record for a six-game round was set in 2023 as 83,357 watched games over the Easter weekend, but almost 3,000 more fans squeezed into top flight venues over the round.
Wigan Warriors attracted the biggest crowd for their derby game against St Helens, with 24,294 fans watching that game at the Brick Community Stadium. The Cherry and Whites came through for the home crowd, too, delivering a Good Friday 24-14 victory.
The Hull derby at the MKM Stadium, which was feisty and ill-tempered at times, was won by Hull KR 28-14. A crowd of 21,018 watched that game, with a healthy number of away fans making the short trip over the River Hull to the west of the city.
Leeds Rhinos welcomed 14,566 for their Good Friday clash with Huddersfield Giants, which was ultimately fairly one sided, with Brad Arthur’s side winning 28-6.
Leigh Leopards pulled in a huge crowd of 9,627 for their game against Warrington Wolves on Saturday afternoon, despite the game being broadcast on free to air TV. Those home fans were rewarded with an 18-14 home win which saw the Leopards move up into third place in the Super League table.
Catalans Dragons got a crowd of 8,768 for their game against Salford Red Devils, while Wakefield Trinity welcomed 7,807 for their clash with Castleford Tigers.
It should be noted that the biggest aggregate attendance for a round came in 2012 when Super League was a 14-team division, as 88,455 watched Super League games over the Easter weekend. That figure produces an average of 12,636 per game, whereas this week’s average was 14,347, the best Super League has ever seen.
Round eight Super League attendances
– Wakefield Trinity 13-12 Castleford Tigers – 7,807
– Hull FC 14-28 Hull KR – 21,018
– Wigan Warriors 24-14 St Helens – 24,294
– Leeds Rhinos 28-6 Huddersfield Giants – 14,566
– Leigh Leopards 18-14 Warrington Wolves – 9,627
– Catalans Dragons 38-10 Salford Red Devils 8,768
Patrick Tomlinson
April 20, 2025 at 12:54 pm
Just a shame about how bad the BBC coverage from Leigh was or should I say a booth in Salford Quays or possibly from Tanya or Robbie’s front room.