RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer says a new community stadium in Workington will be a “flagship” for the area.

Mr Rimmer spoke ahead of a crucial meeting today to decide the fate of the project, after watching part of Workington Town’s clash with Oldham last weekend.

The Cumbrian says he would love to see the stadium get the go-ahead not just for rugby league but also for the wider community benefits.

The proposed 8,000-capacity stadium would be home to Workington Town and Workington Reds, and it is scheduled to host three 2021 RL World Cup games.

A decision on whether it will go ahead is expected from Allerdale council’s executive committee this afternoon.

“I’m a Cumbrian and I think it is a big piece of the jigsaw for Allerdale. This is bigger than the sport as far as I’m concerned, it will be a big regenerator for the town and will bring money in,” said Mr Rimmer.

“I think it will be a real flagship for West Cumbria. The benefits go far beyond rugby league but for the sport it will be really huge.”

Mr Rimmer added that it is a key piece of guaranteeing the World Cup games, which would put Workington and Allerdale on the map.

“It will give all those people, kids and players around here, in a really strong community of rugby league, something to be very proud of.”

His thoughts were echoed on the footballing side of the town by new Workington Reds manager Danny Grainger.

He said: “It’s massive, not just for the club but for the whole area. It’s something that can bring a new dimension to a lot of things in and around the area.

“Just in my short time being here and going over to Derwent Park, speaking to the chairman, the fans and the coach over there Chris and hearing how together their guys are, for me it’s massively vital that the area does get this stadium pushed through and then it can become part of the town.”