Everton’s stadium Bramley-Moore Dock is being considered to host a clash between England and Australia when the Kangaroos head north for an autumn tour next year
Everton’s new stadium, which remains under construction, is being considered as a venue for England’s rugby league clash with Australia next year.
Australia’s world champion side will head to the UK as they tour for the first time in more than two decades next Autumn. The last time they were in England they won the delayed Rugby League World Cup in 2022.
Now they will face England, who made the semi-finals on home soil, in a three-test series. One game will be held in London wiht two more in the north – one each on either side of the Pennines. Despite history with grounds like Old Trafford, Everton’s impressive, yet-to-be opened, stadium on the side of the River Mersey at Bramley-Moore Dock is on the shortlist.
The Toffees new home, which will replace Goodison Park, is set to be completed at the end of the year, with the club due to move in next season. Officials are hoping to cash in from what would be the first Ashes Tour in more than 20 years, reports the Daily Mail.
The stadium in Merseyside will have a capacity of 52,888 and there is optimism that taking an Ashes test to the city would attract fans. Manchester City ’s Etihad Stadium has also been looked at, but is considered a long shot. Venues in Bolton and Wigan are also in the running, but with much smaller capacities.
In Yorkshire it looks to be a battle between Leeds and Hull. Both cities have rugby league pedigree and would attract strong crowds.
In the capital Wembley is one of a number of grounds being looked at. The London-venue is the annual host of the Challenge Cup and has a long history in the sport. Tottenham’s state-of-the-art ground is also an option, but is seen as a pricey venue.
Since 1972 Australia have only failed to win the World Cup on one occasion with New Zealand the team to thwart them. The Kangaroos beat their Kiwi rivals in the semi-finals to win the tournament the last time it was hosted, with that match being played at Leeds.
England were semi-finalists last time out, losing to Samoa at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. A number of England’s top stars are now playing Down Under in the NRL and are leading figures, the likes of Herbie Farnworth, who has just starred in a two-test series against Samoa.
In early November England beat the Pacific Islanders 34-16. That came a week after they’d secured a 34-18 success, but facing Australia is seen as the ultimate test.
