IT is 50 days to go until the kick off of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the people of St Helens are being encouraged to support events being staged in town this autumn. 

Taking place between October 15 and November 19, 2022, organisers are aiming to draw in record crowds. The men's, women's and wheelchair competitions staged in a single, celebratory event tipped to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup yet. 

What's on in St Helens

During the tournament, St Helens and Liverpool will host the Tongan and Italian men's national teams - while three men's group fixtures will be played at Saints' 18,000-capacity Totally Wicked Stadium. 

Tonga – coached by Saints head coach Kristian Woolf and made up of several Saints players – will take on Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, October 18, at 7.30pm. 

Then Tonga play Wales on Monday, October 24 at 7.30pm. 

The final game at the Totally Wicked Stadium will see reigning champions, Australia, coached by Mal Meninga – take on Italy on Saturday 29 October at 7.30pm. 

Maximising the benefits for business

Ahead of the tournament, St Helens town centre will be decorated with Rugby League World Cup branding, including a display on the former Marks and Spencer unit in Church Square, to promote the spectacle coming to town.

The council says it will be engaging with local businesses to maximise the benefits the tournament will bring to the local economy. 

Meanwhile, children and young people in schools across the borough will be learning about different participating countries' culture and heritage. A host of pre-match entertainment is also being planned behind the scenes, say organisers.

Residents will also be invited down to Ruskin Drive Sports Village between 6pm-8pm on Monday, September 19 where they can have their photo taken with the Rugby League World Cup trophies and enjoy an evening of free entertainment. 

'It will be a special occasion' - Kristian Woolf

Kristian Woolf, head coach of Saints and the men’s Tongan team, said: “I know full well what the sport of rugby league means to the town of St Helens.

"The people of St Helens are so passionate and we are all excited about the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. 

  “My Tongan squad are also excited about coming over here to the UK and in particular to stay here in St Helens.

"We also play two of our matches at the Totally Wicked Stadium which will be a special occasion for me and my players and one we are all looking forward to. 

 “It’s important as many fans from both St Helens and across the country get behind the tournament and the world stars who will be involved.

It is set to be a memorable tournament.” 

'Significant investment'

Jon Dutton, chief executive of the Rugby League World Cup, added: “We’re really looking forward to bringing the Rugby League World Cup to St Helens and it’s great to see the excitement already building in the area.

"Saints and ToinWe are delighted that our social impact programme has already made a significant investment into the town. 

 “Supporters of St Helens are some of the most passionate in rugby league and I know they will create a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere for all three games in the town when the tournament begins.” 

For more information and to book your tickets, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/rlwc