Despite the fact that this is the first time England have reached the final of the Rugby League World Cup in 22 years, it is still considered by many in the sport as a Cinderella event in this country at least.
Hundreds of the rugby league faithful gathered in a packed cafe at Leeds Rhinos stadium in Headingley to watch the match on a big screen and they were in party mood.
But between the match's heart-stopping moments they were keen to point out what a difference it would have made if rugby union rather than rugby league were taking part in a World Cup final.
"There's definitely a bit of the North-South divide in this," said one fan.
"Rugby league is a northern sport and has been unfairly overshadowed for years."
Leeds Rhinos season ticket holders Mick, Jo and Connor Moore were in full agreement.
"If England win this," said Jo, "it would be a tremendous boost for rugby league in this country."
As England played their hearts out on the other side of the world, the tension in Leeds reached sizzling point towards the end of the match.
Sadly for England it was not to be. As the Kangaroos celebrated their 6-0 win in the Brisbane Stadium, fan Connor Moore summed up the mood on this side of the planet.
"It's obviously not the result we wanted but England did us proud. If you are flying back home after defeat - this is the best way to do it," he said.
Rhinos full back Ashton Goldring agreed that England, who were trounced by Australia in their opening match of the tournament, may not have won but certainly did not let their fans down.
Whether it makes a difference to rugby league in terms of airtime is uncertain at best. Let's see how much coverage there is when England next get to the World Cup final.