I have to say that last night's game between the Cook Islands and Tonga, did a lot to restore my declining faith in our Sport.

Alright, I know they are two of the 'minor' nations in RL, but to see 34 guys battling themselves to a standstill, displaying 100% commitment, courage and skill, at the very top level of their Sport, and to do so in an exemplary sporting manner, was like a breath of fresh air.

How moving was that, to see all 34 participants in a group 'huddle' at the end of the game, and then do a lap of the pitch, cheerfully mingling with the crowd? How refreshing was it to hear both coaches lavish praise on their opponents? And what a sight to behold, with 10,544 spectators in the stadium, to witness the spectacle. Importantly, there were loads of youngsters in that crowd who can't have failed to be impressed by what they saw - everything that is good about Rugby League. Surely they will be eager to come back and see more of the 'Greatest Game'? I truly hope we, and all the other clubs, can reap the benefit of what we witnessed last night.

Thank you Tonga, and the Cook Islands.

My thoughts entirely Alan: it was a privilege to be there. The group huddle was particularly humbling to behold. To be fair, however, the whole competition has been like that. It seems the players are desperate to do their bit for Rugby League. Let's hope certain administrators take note!

It was great PR exercise by both teams, I was moved by the Cook Islanders after the match. After the disappointment of losing the game each and everyone of them did a lap of the pitch and shook hands, signed autographs and had photos taken by everyone who wanted, (along with the Tongans) and always with a beaming smile even though they must have been gutted.

Agree with everything that's been said - fantastic night.

Surely some (at least) of the leythers who went and don't usually will come back for more

A memorable night for the town of Leigh. Potentially an important one for the club as well. So pleased that the attendance was so impressive and even better perhaps than some of the other great attendances of this incredible World Cup.

It's now up to us Pat, as a club/supporters to try and ensure that they do want to come back for more. I was sat behind a lady who isn't a RL fan, but she clearly got swept along by the occasion and asked frequent questions about what was happening, and why - goodness knows why she assumed I might know! - but she was obviously interested and did say she would come along to watch Leigh next season. Her friend was a Warrington fan, so I'm not sure we could tempt her too!

The only midweek crowd above 10000 so far

I took along a Man U fan to his first game of RL and boy was he impressed he could,nt believe the guys where getting up and playing the ball after some huge hits
The game was played in a great spirit and both teams deserve huge credit for the way they played and conducted themselves before and after the game .
It was great to see the ground with all four sides full of speccies , I can't wait for the new season to begin I will be bring that Man U supporter to a few games thats for sure...

Brilliant to hear these stories of potential new fans - keep them coming!

Being a leyther in exile in Kent, had to watch on telly - A Great advert for the town and great to see the ground full

Hope we can learn from the Lsv on how this was achieved

The LSV deserve enormous credit, for the way the event was organised and conducted. However, enormous credit is also due to the RFL, for their publicity and pricing.

Much better job they've done this time around.
Really enjoyed last night.
Meet Leythers who I've not seen inside the LSV for a while and spoke with a Wire fan who loved our ground, he said he may come a few games next season.

I know that the game at our place was better draw but the crowd again at an SL clubs ground looked poor.
Entertaining game all the same.