Shaun Wane hopes that Wigan Warriors' 42-16 victory over Catalans Dragons has helped attract new fans to rugby league.
Technically a home game, the Warriors decided to host the Super 8s fixtures at the home of Millwall FC, The Den.
"If you're a sporting fan you'd be impressed with the game today," said head coach Wane.
"If you look at the crowd, over 8,000, I'm proud to be British and to be introducing our club to the capital.
"It's a win-win, the people who have travelled down had a great day, they'll go back happy, and the people who have come along have watched some great play.
"I'm going to get shouted at by some people, but I think we need to spread the gospel of the best game in the world. There was a risk in bringing the game here, but it has to be long-term. It has to be carried on, and let's grow it."
The victory guaranteed Wigan, who sit second, a place in the play-off semi-finals.