Olympic Stadium hosts historic first rugby game today

England line up series win against New Zealand

Emdad Rahman

It’s been eight long years since since the national team, as Great Britain, had a series win in rugby league. In 1993 it was the Kiwis too. Today both teams go head to head in a historic game at the Olympic Stadium. England are looking to clinch the series against the number one ranked side in the world.

England coach Steve McNamara said: “I’ve always said it was about preparing for the four games, starting with France in the autumn. My main priority is that we are mentally and physically prepared on Saturday at 2.30 pm against an excellent team.”

An estimated 45,000 fans are expected to attend the first ever rugby league match to be played at the Olympic Stadium ahead of the final Test in a week’s time at Wigan.

England and South Sydney Rabbitoh prop Tom Burgess added: “This turf is hallowed with the amount of stars that were there in 2012 so to be walking through the same changing rooms and tunnels as they walked through is going to be a great experience. I can’t wait. I love the word legacy and that is probably one of the main things as a sports player. I loved watching the Olympics and I remember watching Mo Farah and Jess Ennis win live. It was unbelievable. Yorkshire got a lot of medals.”

Avoiding too many questions on his brother’s return to rugby league, Burgess added: “New Zealand’s main asset is physicality, but they also have good footwork as well as size, which can be hard to handle. They have got some very talented players across the park.”

•Tickets are still in sale for England v New Zealand at the Olympic Stadium. Readers can visit rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk. Prices are £27 for adults and £10 for concessions.

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