The Rugby League World Cup is on course to kick off in front of a capacity crowd when St James' Park plays host to England v Samoa.
Selling out St James' Park for the tournament's launch on Saturday October 15 is a key goal for the Rugby League World Cup's organisers as the sport's showpiece event comes home to England. Rugby League World Cup Chief Executive Jon Dutton told reporters on Tuesday that getting a capacity crowd at the home of Newcastle United is a "fundamental" target "we are well on our way" to hitting despite the tournament being delayed by a year due to Coronavirus.
Newcastle, which has become a favourite with rugby league fans due to the success of the Super League's Magic Weekend, will host four games in the men's tournament. The opening game at St James' will include a Welcome Event, described as a "mixture of music, dance and special moments" that will celebrate the North East and rugby league, with representatives from the men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments, which are being held alongside each other.
