As we prepare for tomorrow´s game against the French there was great news for the international game as a three game test series was announced for the Autumn when England will take on the Tongans.
The three games are scheduled for St Helens, Huddersfield and Leeds on the 22nd October, 28th October and 4th November respectively as the organisers seek three sell-out crowds by sticking with the M62 corridor.
The two sides last met at the semi-final stage of the 2017 World Cup in Australia and it will be eighteen years since the last encounter between the two sides on British soil.
If the excitement of the 2017 encounter, when England led by 20-0 after seventy-three minutes but held on in the end to secure a 20-18 win, is anything to go by then it should be a superb series which will test the England side under coach Shaun Wane.
There has been some disappointment on social media that one of the test matches is not to be taken outside the heartlands with London, Newcastle, or Coventry being suggested as possible venues, But the RFL will be looking to ensure that all three games put up the ´House Full´ notices before a ball is kicked.
There had been plenty of clamour for an international series of some description at the end of the current season and Tonga will be no walkover for England and should deliver a true test and some spectacle.
The schedule is as follows;
22nd October 2023 – Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens
28th October 2023 – John Smith´s Stadium, Huddersfield
4th November 2023 – Emerald Headingley, Leeds
All games will kick off at 14:30 and will be broadcast live. Tickets start at £25 for adults (Children half price) and three game bundles can be purchased for £52.50. Bulk buy discounts are also available.
