This.

Having been partly involved as Warrington rep on the RLWC2013 FLAG ( fans local advisory group) I've seen something of how things have been planned and organised and hopefully been able to contribute in a small way. Having towns have to bid to be hosts rather than just parachuting games into venues, meant local steering groups reaching out across all aspects of the community were formed who have worked really hard to make the tournament a success.

I've always been confident things would go well, but even so I'm delighted with the start we've got off to.

How many tickets sold for the four QF games so far?

249,923 people have so far watched 20 games at this RLWC so depending on which church you worship at, gives an average of 12,496 or 14,748.
A full stadium tomorrow night will see the Group stages complete with the entire attendance of the 2000 RLWC almost overtaken having played 10 less games....well done to the host cities who in the main have done their bit and created the great buzz surrounding the RLWC 2013.

QF's up next, and other than the DW England game, I suspect Leeds and Warrington will sell well and only the Wrexham game could disappoint.

Looks like my prediction of 360k is going to be blown out of the water and I couldn't be happier...240,000 possible attendance from the 6 knock-out games.......I see no reason why Wembley won't sell out other than an England loss in Wigan and the Final is as good as sold out anyway....
..amended projection.....460,000 ......now if only they could kick on and get these people back through the gates come February!

They might, dependant on their location.

But the most important thing is that RL raises it's profile as a result and increases participation across the board. Getting more people interested in playing is imperative.

Many people thought the Olympics and Paralympics were a waste of time and money, slating it before it began. Just a further example of unfounded scepticism by the general (...ly clueless) public where the old adage about opinions and bum holes couldn't be more apparent.

Well done to the team involved, competitors, host towns and cities and of course the hundreds of thousands of supporters.