RLWC2013 in partnership with the Salford-based social landlord, City West Housing Trust, has announced that children will be admitted free to the international friendly, England v Italy (Salford City Stadium, Saturday October 19, 4.30pm). As part of the same partnership, Under-16s will also be able to watch the preceding match for free (England Knights v Samoa, same venue, 2.00 pm), making it a wonderful international double-header afternoon.
“Our match against Italy is an important part of our preparations ahead of Rugby League World Cup 2013,” said England coach Steve McNamara, from England’s training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
“I know the players are all looking forward to their first match on home soil since the squad was announced.”
Martyn Hague, Head of Communities and Neighborhoods at City West, said: “This is a great opportunity to see the players in action before the Rugby League World Cup and we are delighted that families and young people in our communities have the chance to take up this fantastic offer.”
This will be the first chance to see England’s World Cup squad in action, which includes, alongside Super League’s best players, England’s top talent from overseas like the Burgess brothers, George, Sam and Tom (South Sydney Rabbitohs), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs) and Gareth Widdop (Melbourne Storm).
There will also be extra local interest, because it will be the first appearance on their new home ground for recent Salford Red Devils’ signings, Rangi Chase and Gareth Hock, who are both in the England squad.
As a warm-up match ahead of Rugby League World Cup 2013, multiple interchanges will be allowed which will enable both coaches to involve all their eligible squad members in the fixture.
