FANS travelling to Manchester for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup final are advised that trains are expected to be busier than normal.

Old Trafford will host a double-header as the men’s and women’s tournaments reach their climax tomorrow.

A notice from Northern Rail says that due to the Manchester Christmas Markets, services are expected to be busier than usual.

Deansgate station will also be closed from 6pm.

The notice reads: “During the Manchester Christmas Markets trains in and around Manchester are expected to be busier particularly in the evening and weekends.

“Deansgate station will also be closed on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm for the duration of the Manchester Christmas markets (the markets start on Thursday, November 10 and are scheduled to run until Thursday, December 22).

“Please plan ahead and allow longer for your journey.”  

Warrington Guardian: A warning has been issued to those travellingA warning has been issued to those travelling (Image: Stock)

In the women’s final, Australia will take on New Zealand, with a 1.15pm kick-off.

The Jillaroos, who defeated Papua New Guinea in their semi-final, will look to retain their crown against the Kiwi Ferns, who ended England’s dreams of a final appearance in York last Monday.

Meanwhile, the men’s final will see Mal Meninga’s Australia take on Samoa, who are making a history-making first final appearance in the 4pm kick-off.

The Kangaroos will be favourites to make it a record-extending 12th World Cup win, having broken English hearts with a 6-0 win in the 2017 final in Brisbane.

The Australians have also won the last two World Cup finals to be held at Old Trafford, in 2000 and 2013, both against New Zealand.

However, Toa Samoa, off the heels of their historic Golden Point 27-26 victory over England at the Emirates Stadium last week will be looking to cause another upset to finish off a remarkable fairy-tale story.

Footage of fans’ parades back in the nation’s capital, Apia, and among Samoan communities across the world has captured the impact their World Cup run has had. They have even had a ‘Good Luck’ video message from ‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson, who is of Samoan descent.