RL bosses eager to get home Ashes venues sorted sooner rather than later

RUGBY league bosses hope to get a home Ashes series signed and sealed, with hosts found, by the end of the year.

A change of thinking last week saw Australia decide to travel to these shores in 2025.

Now talks have started both with the Aussies and potential venues, with one in Yorkshire, one in the north west and one in London.

And sources have told SunSport they want everything in place sooner rather than later, as 'we want them sold.'

Leeds looks set to host one match, either at Headingley or Elland Road, and Wigan is leading the way for another.

The venue in the capital depends on ambition, with Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur's ground, West Ham's London Stadium and Arsenal's Emirates all potentials.

Hosting an Ashes Series here has ignited dreams of England fans and boss Shaun Wane.

"All three in Wigan would be good,” he joked.

"We’ve got that many potential venues, Wigan holds 25,000, Bolton 28,000. Elland Road is a good one, I’ve had some good ones at Elland Road.

“I’m sure they’ll pick three really good venues with the atmosphere. They’ve not been here for 20 years and look at the superstars they have. We’ve got our own superstars, so it’s going to be fantastic.

“I remember years ago going down to Wembley to watch Great Britain play and there were tens of thousands there, the atmosphere was fantastic.

“We want those times back. I want to play Australia and for there to be 50,000 or 60,000 baying for their blood with a good atmosphere.

"We’re all patriotic and that’s what I want. I’d love to be coach in a game like that.”