I have to say that last night's game between the Cook Islands and Tonga, did a lot to restore my declining faith in our Sport.

Alright, I know they are two of the 'minor' nations in RL, but to see 34 guys battling themselves to a standstill, displaying 100% commitment, courage and skill, at the very top level of their Sport, and to do so in an exemplary sporting manner, was like a breath of fresh air.

How moving was that, to see all 34 participants in a group 'huddle' at the end of the game, and then do a lap of the pitch, cheerfully mingling with the crowd? How refreshing was it to hear both coaches lavish praise on their opponents? And what a sight to behold, with 10,544 spectators in the stadium, to witness the spectacle. Importantly, there were loads of youngsters in that crowd who can't have failed to be impressed by what they saw - everything that is good about Rugby League. Surely they will be eager to come back and see more of the 'Greatest Game'? I truly hope we, and all the other clubs, can reap the benefit of what we witnessed last night.

Thank you Tonga, and the Cook Islands.

Charlie agrees with everything you state Alan

hopefully the Leigh BOM ,and the Marketing Team will have seen what a great success the night was ,and tap into Experience to Leighs advantage , trying to attract some of the Fans back to watch Leighs games next season , especially the younger Fans , I did notice some of the Directors along with Rob Parker , in one of the Boxes , looking at the crowd before the game started .

My thoughts entirely Alan: it was a privilege to be there. The group huddle was particularly humbling to behold. To be fair, however, the whole competition has been like that. It seems the players are desperate to do their bit for Rugby League. Let's hope certain administrators take note!

It was great PR exercise by both teams, I was moved by the Cook Islanders after the match. After the disappointment of losing the game each and everyone of them did a lap of the pitch and shook hands, signed autographs and had photos taken by everyone who wanted, (along with the Tongans) and always with a beaming smile even though they must have been gutted.

Agree with everything that's been said - fantastic night.

Surely some (at least) of the leythers who went and don't usually will come back for more

A memorable night for the town of Leigh. Potentially an important one for the club as well. So pleased that the attendance was so impressive and even better perhaps than some of the other great attendances of this incredible World Cup.

It's now up to us Pat, as a club/supporters to try and ensure that they do want to come back for more. I was sat behind a lady who isn't a RL fan, but she clearly got swept along by the occasion and asked frequent questions about what was happening, and why - goodness knows why she assumed I might know!

- but she was obviously interested and did say she would come along to watch Leigh next season. Her friend was a Warrington fan, so I'm not sure we could tempt her too!

The only midweek crowd above 10000 so far

I took along a Man U fan to his first game of RL and boy was he impressed he could,nt believe the guys where getting up and playing the ball after some huge hits
The game was played in a great spirit and both teams deserve huge credit for the way they played and conducted themselves before and after the game .


It was great to see the ground with all four sides full of speccies , I can't wait for the new season to begin I will be bring that Man U supporter to a few games thats for sure...

Brilliant to hear these stories of potential new fans - keep them coming!

Being a leyther in exile in Kent, had to watch on telly - A Great advert for the town and great to see the ground full

Hope we can learn from the Lsv on how this was achieved

The LSV deserve enormous credit, for the way the event was organised and conducted. However, enormous credit is also due to the RFL, for their publicity and pricing.

Much better job they've done this time around.
Really enjoyed last night.
Meet Leythers who I've not seen inside the LSV for a while and spoke with a Wire fan who loved our ground, he said he may come a few games next season.

I know that the game at our place was better draw but the crowd again at an SL clubs ground looked poor.
Entertaining game all the same.

6041

Enjoyable game. Spotted Caroli sat in the East Stand as well.

There didn't look that many on. Having said that I was watching it on a dodgy stream on my laptop.

Lowest crowd of the comp to date (by about 800) - It's quite possible that the game in Limerick on Saturday will attract less, but it would appear the folk of Salford are yet to be won round by their new home!!

Well the trouble is it is difficult to get to by public transport if you live where I live and getting home after a night match' particularly with a 10pm ish finish takes even longer. For car drivers there is only one road in and out of the stadium.

I can get to the LSV and back quicker.

We parked at Eccles RLFC and were home about half an hour after leaving the ground, can't grumble at all. Seemed to be shuttle buses back to Eccles Interchange so should have been easy enough to get in to Manchester?

I went to the Italy v England game which was on a Saturday afternoon and it took me almost 90 minutes to get home.

I haven't got a problem with Salford RL 'just telling you how it is for folk who don't drive.

I have been to the ground five times since it opened. the only time I have had a problem was for the England v France game when it took forever to get off Barton Aerodrome.

The other week after the Italy game we had a quick bite in the (impressive) stadium bar then jumped on the 67 into Irlam which only took a couple of minutes, from there we then got the train back to Sankey. On my two visits with Warrington we have gone on the coach via the Boat House pub (good food) and on both occasions got straight out after the game. I would never drive though.

The problem with the stadium is whilst located on a brown field site, it is only round the corner from the Trafford Centre which means other businesses will always be reluctant to invest in and develop the area. I am quite surprised that the buses from the Willows which originally were running when Leigh played the first game there seem to have been stopped.

Very true Matt the Carolis were there last night , supporting the Celts , my dear owd Dad served with the Scottish Highlandlers in the War , a very proud man , though give me the LSV anytime over Salford .

Tonights gme wsnother well attended game nd even though was one sided it was entertaining. I hve to say that the coverage from Premier is first class and the comentary good also. The Aussie blokes mixed with ours is much better than Sky's in my opinion.