Best ever response to Carnegie World Club Challenge (From Warrington Guardian)

Best ever response to Carnegie World Club Challenge

Over 6,000 tickets have been sold in the space of one week for the 2005 Carnegie World Club Challenge. That figure represents the best ever pre-Christmas ticket sales response to the fixture since it was re-introduced in 2000.

Tickets for the clash between Super League Champions Leeds Rhinos and Australian NRL Premiers Canterbury Bulldogs have been on sale exclusively to Rhinos season ticket holders since 4th December 2004 and that group of supporters have clearly demonstrated their eagerness to be at the world title decider at Elland Road Stadium, Leeds on 4th February 2005 (ko 8.00pm).

Carnegie World Club Challenge tickets - which start at just £20 with concessions on all prices - go on general sale on Monday 13th December 2004 from Rugby League Events and from that date onwards, they will be available to buy 24 hours a day via superleague.co.uk.

Tickets can also be purchased from the Rugby League Events Hotline by calling (0870) 990 13 13. Lines are open between 9.00am and 5.00pm.

Commenting on the figures, a Rugby League Events spokesperson said: "For previous World Club Challenges the usual pattern sees the majority of sales in the post-Christmas period so to sell over 6,000 tickets in the space of a week is certainly the best early response we have ever experienced.

"We believe this shows the huge appetite for the game and for the sport's major events in general and we would urge all supporters who have not yet secured their seats to do so as soon as possible.

"The tickets would make ideal Christmas presents for anybody who follows Rugby League and it does seem that many fans are already getting that message".

And Leeds Rhinos skipper Kevin Sinfield also expressed his delight: "It's great news and a real boost for all the squad"; he said.

"We've just started back pre-season and the players are really excited about the Carnegie World Club Challenge and to hear that the fans are just as excited about the game is terrific."

The Carnegie World Club Challenge - Leeds Rhinos v Canterbury Bulldogs, Friday 4th February 2005, Elland Road Stadium, Leeds (ko 8.00pm).