Mr Burnham is calling on the Rugby Football League to stage England's clash with France this summer at Leigh Sports Village.

Mr Burnham believes the game would improve Leigh's chances of hosting World Cup matches in 2013 and provide a welcome boost to the town's economy.

The 2008 Rugby League World Cup in Australia attracted more than 290,000 fans and a global television audience of 19.2 million people.

Mr Burnham argues the state-of-the-art stadium in the heartland of the rugby league offers a compelling case for hosting international games.

He said: "There is no stronger rugby league heartland than Leigh. We have some of the game's most knowledgeable and passionate supporters and it would be great to see the LSV packed out for this prestigious international fixture.

"It would also show that the LSV would be a very worthy venue to host games at the 2013 World Cup. We have some of the best facilities that the game has to offer and it would be a good way for the sport of showing how it values Leigh and its people."

The Health Secretary also praised Leigh Centurions for their victory against Wigan Warriors on Sunday. Leigh posted their first victory over their old rivals in 16 years.

Mr Burnham added: "This result shows Leigh are back in business. I'm sure there are more than a few long-suffering Leythers who enjoyed going into work on Monday morning.

"Well done to Ian Millward and the team – you've made a lot of people very happy. I hope this can be a real turning point for the club and that people will come down to the LSV to cheer them on and build momentum."