rugby league mania! who would have predicted that? I blame the Olympics

What will be the easiest way to get to Leigh from Liverpool at five? Don't really fancy having to take the day off.

WORLD CUP TROPHY TO BE INTRODUCED TO LSV CROWD BY RYAN BRIERLEY

Earlier today, we announced that Leigh Centurions’ Young Player Of The Season Ryan Brierley will, with Leigh legend Alex Murphy, carry the Rugby League World Cup trophy onto the pitch before the Tonga Vs Cook Islands match. We spoke to a delighted Ryan just after he found out.

So how does it feel to be asked to perform this honour with Alex?
It’s a massive honour for myself and my family. I just hope people come to watch the game: it should be a great match between two physical sides. I really can’t wait.

You’ve been around LSV over the past week. What have you made of the Tongans?
They’re pretty big! You’re always going to get physicality from the island sides but they’ve impressed me so far. And they’re really friendly too, like gentle giants. I’m sure they’ll do their adopted town and their country proud.

It’s interesting that you should call Leigh their adopted town. There’s really that sense Leigh has got behind them, isn’t there?
Yeah, they’re adopted Leythers! We’ve done a bit of work with the schools and they’re all coming down on Tuesday night with garlands and traditional dress. I just think it’ll be a really good occasion.

So what have you made of the World Cup so far?
It’s been brilliant, hasn’t it. It really feels like everyone has bought into it. I just hope England can get to the final and maybe win it! I’ve loved watching Australia – Cooper Cronk plays in my position so I’ve enjoyed watching him. Billy Slater played really well on Saturday too… I just really love watching Rugby League in general so whoever’s playing I’ll watch.

So what did you reckon to Sonny Bill Williams’ slip up?
It was a shocker! I think everyone’s done it one time, so I don’t think he’ll get too much grief. Although not everyone’s done it in a World Cup! He’ll be pretty embarrassed but he’s allowed a mistake or two because he’s an exceptional player – a bit of a freakish talent.

You’ve been doing some coaching with kids this summer. This World Cup is important in terms of legacy, isn’t it?
We’ve had a chat just today about how we can use the world cup as a way to get more kids involved in the game. In terms of structure and coaching we’re actually at a pretty good level – Centurions coach Paul Rowley has got some great ideas which he gets across to me and the rest of the lads. The fact that there’s a coaching masterclass on Thursday at LSV with the Tongans is really good just in terms of coaches feeding off each other and getting advice.

Hopefully you’ll play in the next Rugby League World Cup.
That’s the ambition! I’m not going to kid myself, I’ve got a massive amount of work to do to get to that level. I get tingles just hearing the national anthem so to get the chance to play for my country would be amazing.

So how are Centurions shaping up for next season?
Paul Rowley’s brought in some really good players so there’ll be healthy competition for places, and it’s looking really good. I just hope we can get a lift off the back of this World Cup game here. We want the kids and families who come and have a great time next Tuesday get the bug and come back every week. It’s such a great venue to watch Centurions week-in, week-out.

Train from Liverpool Lime St to Atherton
Leave 5.27 arrive 6.43
Leave 5.44 arrive 7.14

582 bus from Atherton to Leigh very frequent.

Or you could get a train to Newton-le Willows and a taxi from there..its the right side of Leigh!

Good shout! That brings back memories from the walk to Widnes a few years back.

LSV tweeted earlier that there weren't many at all available. Gutted I can't get the night off work.

Really looking forward to it. I'm expecting a great atmosphere with a big crowd on and the game should be a massive smash up.

I really think it is a must we sell this game out now - say 10k.

7200+ at BRISTOL tonight for Cooks v USA, surely a wannabe SL heartlands club must beat that comfortably

Apparently peeing down as well, Keith - even better!

The LSV capacity is officially 11000.

Anyone know the capacity for each stand ? I estimate the North stand at 3500 West and East 5500 and South 2000.

If the LSV gets a greater crowd than the excellent one in Bristol or doesn't. I fail to see the connection to Leigh Centurions as a club, SL wannabe in your words or not.

Seriously Bart, you can't see the connection between a World Cup attendance at LSV and the aspirations of the Centurions?

It has never been a fiver before.

I would think that a fair percentage of the attendance at the LSV will be supporters of other clubs, other sports and even loads who have no intention of supporting Leigh but are going because it is an 'Event' not to be missed.