ROUND-UP: Weekend's games break crowd record

The total is 4,981 higher than the previous record of 84,375 set in Round 8 of 2009 and testifies to the high quality of the most open competition in Super League history, according to RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood.

"I'm absolutely delighted that a new record has been established, it's a magnificent achievement which reflects how Engage Super League continues to go from strength to strength," said Wood.

"The leading clubs are setting new standards, both on and off the field. The intensive nature of contests played in front of bumper crowds is great to see and I'm sure this new record won't last long.

"All the fans who turned out this weekend were treated to sporting entertainment of the highest quality and will be back for more over the weeks to come as the clubs home in on what should be an outstanding top-eight Super League play-off series.

"With the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals and final coming up, as well as the battles to make the top eight, Rugby League supporters are in for some wonderful treats."

The first of the magnificent seven came on Thursday night when 20,079 people filled the KC Stadium to see Hull FC defeat neighbours Hull Kingston Rovers.

On Friday the biggest crowd of the season so far, 22,701 turned out at DW Stadium where Warrington defeated Wigan Warriors in a thrilling contest.

Leeds Rhinos' home victory over Huddersfield Giants was watched by15,070 while other highlights include the attendance of 10,399 at St Helens for their win against Harlequins and Castleford Tigers' highest gate of the year, 8,517 against Wakefield.

Rugby League supporters also turned out in force at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, where a crowd of 8,138 witnesses a cracking Northern Rail Cup final won with a try in the penultimate minute by Batley Bulldogs against Widnes Vikings.

Australia: The Sydney Roosters came from 12 points down to overhaul the Bulldogs 36-32 and keep alive their hopes of finishing in the top four of the Australian National Rugby League.

After finishing with the wooden spoon in 2009 the Roosters, under new coach Brian Smith, are currently riding high in fourth position.

Down 30-18 early in the second half, the Roosters finished stronger than their cross-town rivals and clinched the comeback when second rower Mitch Aubusson crossed with five minutes to go.

A 29th-minute try to Bulldogs prop Michael Hodgson appeared to come moments after a forward pass from dummy half Michael Ennis.

However, the Roosters shook off the decision and hit back on the field.

Joey Leilua scored in the 62nd minute to make it 30-24, before a Bryson Goodwin penalty goal provided some temporary breathing space for the Bulldogs at 32-24.

Todd Carney then crossed to cut the lead to two points before Aubusson sealed the win.

St George Illawarra went four points clear at the top when they squeezed past traditional rivals South Sydney 16-13 thanks to a late try from Mark Gasnier.

HALIFAX: The West Yorkshire side won the 2010 Northern Rail 9s after defeating Championship rivals Sheffield Eagles 16-4 at Fylde on Saturday evening.

Tries from Chris Gordon – a back-rower from the RAF who is on trial with Halifax – Dylan Nash, Ben Black and two successful conversions from Lee Paterson were enough to condemn the Eagles to a second successive final defeat and help the West Yorkshire side to another piece of Northern Rail 9s silverware after they won last year's Plate competition.

The tournament, which featured 18 Co-operative Championship sides, saw Halifax defeat Swinton 18-14 in a semi-final that went into extra-time whilst Sheffield overcame Keighley Cougars at the same stage.

Ireland: Dublin City Exiles reached the Leinster League Final thanks to a 46-28 win over Tullamore Knights in the first semi-final in Tullamore.

Carlow Crusaders take on the North Dublin Eagles in the second semi-final in Tullow next week.