Someone should maybe point out to him that there are circa 25,000 regular attendees at RL matches in Hull and if there wasn't a match in Hull the nearest game would be 65 miles away, as it stands there are 6 games within a 50m radius of Wakefiled not counting a potential SF at the Galpharm (15 miles from Wakey) and a Final at OT (50 Miles from Wakey).

indeed, and that HCC,FC and KR actually had the strongest bid of any of those that presented to the RFL (not my words, the words of someone I know in the RFL), as the saying goes, shy bairns get nowt!

the world cup is October/November, and I doubt anyone but the hard-core would be interested in seeing USA-France or something at a freezing wet Belle Vue.

I would be happy to see New Zealand v Samoa or Australia v Fiji at the KC followed by a semi final.

PNG v Samoa would seem a good fit for Craven Park.

I hope where ever the teams are based , Fans will be encouraged to go watch on certain training days , Shirt Signing and meet the players sessions will be organised .

Why are there games in France when it's England and Wales World Cup?

I would agree with that. Would also be great to see the Kiwis and Papuans have their training bases in the city aswell due to our extensive links.
If the 2 clubs and the council continue to work together then i think that this World Cup could be a massive catalyst to our sport in this City.

Looking at the list of fixtures, PNG V Samoa would indeed seem sensible for Craven Park, with the local links to PNG (although maybe we're putting too much emphasis on that?) either that or maybe Tonga v Cook Islands.

Really hope the KC gets a good one. Not sure which one I want the KC to get.

And like someone said on another forum, hopefully they make it affordable to the average fan to get to several games.

Would like to take in some more venues.

Group A - Top 3 Progress to Quarters
Australia v England
Fiji v Ireland
Australia v Fiji
Ireland v England
Australia v Ireland
England v Fiji

Group B - Top 3 Progress to Quarters
New Zealand v Samoa
Papua New Guinea v France
New Zealand v France
Papua New Guinea v Samoa
New Zealand v Papua New Guinea
France v Samoa

Group C - Top Team Progresses to Quarters
Scotland v Tonga
Tonga v Italy
Italy v Scotland

Group D - Top Team Progresses to Quarters
USA v Wales
Wales v Cook Islands
Cook Islands v USA

Group C/D Inter Group Matches
Scotland v USA
Tonga v Cook Islands
Italy v Wales

I asked this before, but I personally think it has to do with the government funding. I remember there being complaints about them not getting the money they were promised to fund the WC (which is why it was specifically "England and Wales"icon_wink.gif, so they've gone for what they think will get the biggest crowds.

I could just be making that up though!

Think NZ vs PNG would be a good game to have in Hull. Would sell out Craven Park.
I get the feeling the KC game will be an England group game, seeing as the biggest grounds in the group stages are KC and Galpharm (except for Thomond Park which I reckon will host Ireland vs Australia). DW is being used for a quarter final and the opening venue hasn't been announced yet.

So I'd guess that Galpharm will get England vs Ireland and KC will get England vs Fiji.

so the rugby league top brass can have a free hoilday

It's ridiculous mate! England and Wales World Cup, oh and a little bit of France! Joke.

...and Ireland!

TBF I think France deserve it, 16k for the England warm up and a simular amount for the Scotland game.

Not too fussed that France and Ireland/Wales have games to be honest - we have a french side in super league, had one in Wales and Dublin will be great for fans.