England v Australia 2025 - coming to the UK?

[Father Gascoigne]

3 minutes ago, Cumbrian Fanatic said:

Many (most) of the tickets would probably be sold prior to the Aussies getting here, I talking about being able to capitalise should the opportunity arise

Perhaps you're right. But there's a good reason why State of Origin doesn't host its potential decider at a neutral ground. I accept that's not the best comparison considering the proximity of Etihad stadium to rugby league heartlands. 

[The Masked Poster]

6 minutes ago, Father Gascoigne said:

I agree. I would certainly hope the people tasked with selling tickets would be playing every card up their sleeve to shift as many as possible.

That said, I'm inclined though to err on the side of history. I see evidence that 50-60,000 is a feasible and realistic ceiling, whichever stadium they opt for. But until the game gives us evidence that selling out Wembley is a realistic aim, no reason to start reaching for the stars just yet. 

Earlier you mentioned that the Kangaroos should be promoted as a prestigious brand, but you've also highlighted here why they aren't in the eyes of the English public. They don't do serious tours. There is no meaningful rivalry that is on par with cricket's Ashes. It's hard to then expect the public to view things any differently, no matter how it's presented to them. 

Totally fair comment and I agree, you're absolutely correct.

However, the dreamer in me would like them to be marketed aggressively and touted as a must see event .....or even a "well I'll go along to see what all the fuss is about" event. Throw in the kitchen sink, really get at it.  I wish....

[Archie Gordon]

Couple of points.

Is this England hosting or GB? If the latter, what about a game in Cardiff?

Please: no Kangaroo/Jillaroo double headers. Let's try and host 5 or 6 events.

[sam4731]

Foe me it's a no brainer. Take the 3 highest attendances for the world cup and translate this onto the series.

GW 1: St James's Park

GW2: Emirates

GW3: OT

[The Rocket]

41 minutes ago, Dave T said:

I'm not sure why you're portraying this as such a positive. An Ashes next year was always in plan, so what are we meant to be thankful to the NRL for?

 

40 minutes ago, Dave T said:

There is not a cat in hells chance that we would get 90k. There is no evidence we would, it's based on zero.

 

21 minutes ago, Dave T said:

What is slightly frustrating for me personally is that yesterday me and my wife actually discussed potentially visiting Oz next year, and tying it in with the Ashes.

But then I suppose I'd never be so stupid as to take RL authorities at their word when they say something is happening.

Yeah I think they heard you were coming.

[Bull Mania]

Oh please let this be a true. It makes sense with the WC being down under in 2026 Get it signed, sealed and the stadiums booked early. Build the series up all year! 

We have to be ambitious with the stadiums! 44k at Wembley looks a damn sight better than a full DW. It feels like a national sporting event being at a big stadium. The Ashes appeals to a general sporting fan. 

Etihad. Bramley dock. St James Park. Spurs stadium. Those are what we should be aiming for. Every RL fan will be wanting a ticket after not seeing this series for so long. 

 

[sweaty craiq]

5 minutes ago, sam4731 said:

Foe me it's a no brainer. Take the 3 highest attendances for the world cup and translate this onto the series.

GW 1: St James's Park

GW2: Emirates

GW3: OT

To get a great crowd in Newcastle you can’t have a London Test straight after it.

its the gamble venue so if it was to host make it the third, if its the decider it sells out 

 

[Damien]

As I said on the other thread Spurs, Elland Road and Bolton were meant to be the venues in 2020.

If we swapped out Bolton for Evertons new stadium, which will be open then, or the Etihad and it would be perfect.

[gingerjon]

14 minutes ago, Archie Gordon said:

Couple of points.

Is this England hosting or GB? If the latter, what about a game in Cardiff?

Please: no Kangaroo/Jillaroo double headers. Let's try and host 5 or 6 events.

We’ll avoid Jillaroo double headers by making the Vegas game a stand alone women’s Ashes test.

[Father Gascoigne]

1 minute ago, Bull Mania said:

Etihad. Bramley dock. St James Park. Spurs stadium. Those are what we should be aiming for. Every RL fan will be wanting a ticket after not seeing this series for so long. 

 

This would certainly be a fantastic opportunity to use the stadium for the first time. Diehards all across Merseyside and Lancashire would go just for the novelty factor. 

 

[Dave T]

14 minutes ago, sam4731 said:

Foe me it's a no brainer. Take the 3 highest attendances for the world cup and translate this onto the series.

GW 1: St James's Park

GW2: Emirates

GW3: OT

Emirates was a horrible event tbh, and I'd argue seriously underperformed. Spurs or Wembley really.

[Dave T]

1 minute ago, Father Gascoigne said:

This would certainly be a fantastic opportunity to use the stadium for the first time. Diehards all across Merseyside and Lancashire would go just for the novelty factor. 

 

I'm really liking the looks of this ground, would be great to have another prestigious option in the area that's bigger than Wigan/Bolton and better than Anfield.

I'd like to think that Everton are more open to events to than some other Premier aleafue clubs.

[JonM]

8 minutes ago, Dave T said:

I'm really liking the looks of this ground, would be great to have another prestigious option in the area that's bigger than Wigan/Bolton and better than Anfield.

I'd like to think that Everton are more open to events to than some other Premier aleafue clubs.

From the outside, the stadium looks pretty amazing on the waterfront. It's going to be miles better than Wigan, Bolton or Anfield in terms of facilities.

Can play up the historic angle too. The first Kangaroos played a test at Everton, but there hasn't been a RL match there since the 1921 Kangaroos AFAIK. 

(O/T Runcorn played Swinton at Everton in the 1890s - taking games on the road in an attempt to 'crack' Liverpool isn't new  )

Edited October 28, 2024 by JonM

[sweaty craiq]

12 minutes ago, Damien said:

As I said on the other thread Spurs, Elland Road and Bolton were meant to be the venues in 2020.

If we swapped out Bolton for Evertons new stadium, which will be open then, or the Etihad and it would be perfect.

Liverpool won’t work unless it’s the decider same as Newcastle, all roads lead to London and Manchester ( and Leeds) so they should be nailed on just wish Leeds had a 50k stadium with decent seats and pitch size

[JonM]

1 minute ago, sweaty craiq said:

Liverpool won’t work unless it’s the decider same as Newcastle, all roads lead to London and Manchester ( and Leeds) so they should be nailed on just wish Leeds had a 50k stadium with decent seats and pitch size

I guess a consequence of there being no big football club in Yorkshire is that there's no modern big stadia there either. I think you're right though - two games away from the heartlands will be a tough sell for the current RFL administration.

[Father Gascoigne]

3 minutes ago, Dave T said:

I'm really liking the looks of this ground, would be great to have another prestigious option in the area that's bigger than Wigan/Bolton and better than Anfield.

I'd like to think that Everton are more open to events to than some other Premier aleafue clubs.

As we've seen with Tottenham, when you have a new stadium that cost a pretty penny to build, you're a lot more open to anything. Tottenham have held go-kart racing at the stadium . 

It also benefits rugby league in general as this will be the premier stadium in the north until 'New Trafford' gets built. I can't remember the last time Everton were in Europe either, so it certainly makes scheduling easier. In any case it's a great new option in the game's heartlands going forward.

[Dunbar]

Now, do I join in this thread or wait for the next one when it changes again.  Or the one after that!

[Father Gascoigne]

2 minutes ago, JonM said:

I guess a consequence of there being no big football club in Yorkshire is that there's no modern big stadia there either. I think you're right though - two games away from the heartlands will be a tough sell for the current RFL administration.

It's in the pipeline. I'm not sure if Elland Road will ever be accepted as a suitable ground for events, but there is movement in bumping it up to 53,000. 

[Dave T]

4 minutes ago, Dunbar said:

Now, do I join in this thread or wait for the next one when it changes again.  Or the one after that!

Wait for the England v Cook Islands (LSV) thread.

[Barley Mow]

27 minutes ago, sweaty craiq said:

Liverpool won’t work unless it’s the decider same as Newcastle, all roads lead to London and Manchester ( and Leeds) so they should be nailed on just wish Leeds had a 50k stadium with decent seats and pitch size

You'll know better than me, being on that side of the Pennines, but are you saying that rugby league fans in the north west (fans of 12 Lancashire & Cumberland clubs, etc) would attend at Manchester but would see Liverpool as being too far?

I'd assumed it wouldn't make a lot of difference - most are located between Manchester and Liverpool, some closer to one and some closer to the other. And for those coming from Barrow or Cumberland, it wouldn't make a great deal of difference which you were going to after a longer journey.

Edited October 28, 2024 by Barley Mow

[sam4731]

49 minutes ago, sweaty craiq said:

To get a great crowd in Newcastle you can’t have a London Test straight after it.

its the gamble venue so if it was to host make it the third, if its the decider it sells out 

 

The highest percentage of tickets that were sold for the WC opener were sold to people from the North East. I think that each can have it's own discreet target audience. Obviously there will be a lot of crossover but for me it's worth the gamble.

[sam4731]

46 minutes ago, Dave T said:

Emirates was a horrible event tbh, and I'd argue seriously underperformed. Spurs or Wembley really.

For me, what the Emirates major selling point over Spurs is that it's right on top off a tube station. Much more accessible.

[Damien]

37 minutes ago, sweaty craiq said:

Liverpool won’t work unless it’s the decider same as Newcastle, all roads lead to London and Manchester ( and Leeds) so they should be nailed on just wish Leeds had a 50k stadium with decent seats and pitch size

I disagree. People always like going to new marquee grounds and it's in a great location. Liverpool would actually appeal to some far more than Manchester. Everyone I know goes to Liverpool for nights out or shopping before Manachester.

We are not going to be able to be completely fussy either as it wont just be what we want. Man City have shown zero inclination for hosting RL mid season. As I said I'd like that venue too but it seems unlikely to me.

That then leave Old Trafford if you are talking about Manchester. I personally don't mind Old Trafford and its served RL well but a 52k modern ground down the road feels a better fit for me than an older 75k ground with all the complaints we see on here about it.

[Dave T]

3 minutes ago, sam4731 said:

For me, what the Emirates major selling point over Spurs is that it's right on top off a tube station. Much more accessible.

My only memory of that was that it was absolute chaos after the match with 40k in. 

I just walked from there to Euston instead.

[sam4731]

Want an open goal for marketing? Host the final test on the weekend of the 22/23rd November. Why? It's the opening weekend of the 'other' Ashes.

"Got Ashes fever but you can't be there? Can't you?"