While New Zealand is staging the Rugby World Cup, England are hosts for the Rugby League World Cup, as they were for Euro 2022.
Wednesday’s 42-4 win over Papua New Guinea saw England maintain their 100% record and top their group.
And like the Lionesses in the summer, the rugby league team has felt the anticipation building among fans throughout the tournament, which is being shown live on the BBC.
“We had a bit of free time yesterday [Thursday] and a lot of the girls went into York,” said Stanley. “I know that they were stopped for photos and whatnot.
“It’s really humbling, the fact that people are appreciating the sport that we play in, and that we work really hard to represent.
“It’s a great atmosphere and we want to take that through the tournament,” she added. “I think we’ve just got to embrace it.
“The coaches speak a lot about ‘living in the moment’ and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re really enjoying the experience and happy to be the faces on the field, representing the sport.
“Because the exposure is on the BBC, people come across it and are mesmerised by our sport. Still, there’s people who’ve not really seen that women have done this before, and the fact they’re enjoying it is fantastic to hear.”
The semi-finals are being played as a double-header in York on Monday, with defending champions Australia playing Papua New Guinea (17:00 GMT) before England face New Zealand (19:30).