ENGLAND kicked off their three-match Test series against Tonga on Sunday with a 22-18 triumph.
And according to rugbyleagueontv.com the average viewing figures stood at 566,000, with a peak of 642,000.
The game was broadcast live on BBC One, though there was an initial hitch considering the fixture was pushed back ten minutes after trouble with getting spectators inside the Totally Wicked Stadium at St Helens.
However, viewers were treated to a physical and close affair with a late Tolutau Koula try setting up a grandstand finish with England holding on.
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