Betfred Super League fans have turned out in huge numbers this Easter to help set a new attendance record for the competition.
A total of 79,173 fans attended the six, Round 11 Betfred Super League matches played over Thursday and Good Friday with the clash between Wigan Warriors and St Helens attracting the biggest crowd over the two days with 22,050 at the DW Stadium.
Over 20,000 fans also enjoyed the Hull derby at the KC Stadium where Hull FC ran out winners over arch rivalsHull KR, the biggest crowd for a Hull FC home game since 2015. The round of matches kicked off on Thursday when 9,153 turned out to watch Castleford take on Wakefield Trinity in a nail-biting West Yorkshire Derby.
Warrington Wolves set a new home record for a game against Salford with 11,867 fans seeing Salford get a 36-12 win against the form book.
Leeds Rhinos claimed a much needed 38-18 win, that sees them move off the foot of the table, against Huddersfield Giants at Emerald Headingley in front 13,743 fans.
The total attendance for the games beats the previous record for a 12 team Super League set in Round 25 of the2007 season when 78,917 turned out.
Robert Elstone, Chief Executive, Super League said:
“I should start by thanking the fans who turned out in record breaking numbers. Easter is traditionally one of the biggest weekends in the Super League calendar but to break the attendance record underlines the scale and loyalty of our fan base, and the support we have from Clubs and supporters on the changes brought into Super League this season.”
Trinity Head Coach, Chris Chester, added:
”It’s great to see the attendance record be broken! I’d personally like to thank our fans for their support on Thursday evening. Whilst it was a tough result for us to take, the fans were great behind the posts. On behalf of everyone at the club, thank you for your continued support!”
Attendances for the games on Thursday and Good Friday:
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity –9,316
London Broncos v Catalans Dragons –2,153
Hull FC v Hull KR–20,044
Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants –13,743
Warrington Wolves v Salford Red Devils–11,867
Wigan Warriors v St Helens–22,050