Wollo-Wollo-Wollo-Wayoo: PopTart: This is the dads army test match https://www.facebook.com/share/v/zvuxuzKqtqi3Dagm/ The referee there Mick Naughten (Widnes) used to hate Trinity.  Most refs still do............

Wollo-Wollo-Wollo-Wayoo: PopTart: This is the dads army test match https://www.facebook.com/share/v/zvuxuzKqtqi3Dagm/ The referee there Mick Naughten (Widnes) used to hate Trinity.  Most refs still do............

I did think choosing Headingly for the final test was just conceding it will be 2-0 to Australia by then. They could theoretically switch it to Elland Road, assuming United won't be playing, by giving those who'd bought tickets already the first chance to select their seats, but it would be a logistical nightmare.


The Everton venue is a good choice, as it might attract a lot who are just curious about seeing what the new ground looks like.


Wembley might have an impact on the Grand Final attendance though. Two big day outs in one pay-day period might be a stretch.

I think it’s a really smart strategy, as it goes. Get the sold out signs up at Headingley, then Liverpool, to create a buzz and get anyone else who wants to see a game to get to Wembley. Ultimately, I think this series is so important for RL in England that if they sell out Wembley, and have a good calm year in 2026, the sport could really get a grip on the national scene again.

And as a side point, Elland Road is awful. Transport, pubs, space, amenities. Dreadful. Would rather be at a rammed Headingley than Elland Road with potentially 10,000 less Yorkshire folk at Wembley.

I certainly think we've got a good chance. A lot of top NRL players are choosing to play for Samoa, like Haas and Crighton, and if they change the Origin criteria, a few more, like Ponga, which makes the whole scene more vibrant. We've got enough players doing their stuff down there, like Smithies, Farnworth and Young, and a cold night and home support could see us pull it off.

Also, there'll be a few players choosing for off-season surgery, and some just don't like the travel, like Latrell Mitchell.


Whoever they bring, it will be a damn good side, but it won't be the best 17 in the NRL, that's for sure (best prop - Hass - chosen Samoa. best centre - Crighton - chose Samoa. X-factor - Latrell Mitchell - got homesick last time. Jerome Luaia - chose Samoa), and it will be a privilege to see Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh, but they won't be as strong as they could be.