Top-flight crowds are highest for 26 years

Super League officials have announced that attendances for the 2000 season have been the highest in the sport for 26 years.

Super League officials have announced that attendances for the 2000 season have been the highest in the sport for 26 years.

The average of 7,415 is not only the best since the inception of the Super League in 1996, but also the highest for the top flight since the introduction of two divisions in 1974.

The figure sees an increase of 18 per cent on last season, with several clubs showing dramatic improvements in their drawing power. Hull lead the way with average gates up by 40 per cent on last term, closely followed by Warrington, who saw a 38 per cent increase.

A spokesman for Super League, Gary Tasker, said: "We believe this increase is a result of a combination of factors, including improved playing standards, the Super League community development programme and significant improvements within club administrations."

Meanwhile, Paul Davidson has joined Halifax on a one-year-deal from the London Broncos.