THE Rugby League has dashed Leigh's hopes of giving free admission to children for next weeks Emerging Nations World Cup clash between the Cooks Islands and Russia.

Leigh had planned on throwing the door of Hilton Park open for all youngsters under the age of 16. But the League has ruled that the £1 admission charge must remain. Adult admission for next Wednesday's game has been fixed by the League at £3.

"It would have been an ideal opportunity to let the kids of Leigh get a taste of international RL for free," says Leigh's managing director Mick Higgins.

"I just can't understand the League's logic. They've allowed Hull to let in 1000 kids for free for the Papua New Guinea v Tonga game."

Nevertheless Leigh are hoping for a sizeable crowd for the clash between the flashy Pacific islanders and the physical Russians.

"It's going to be an interesting clash of styles. The Cook Islanders will be similar in approach to Tonga, Western Samoa and Fiji but the Russian style is far more regimented," he adds.

Leigh are putting on an after-match reception for both teams and will have guests of honor the Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Bernard Holt, council leaders and local MPs.

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