Quote: Sir Kevin Sinfield "Regardless they should have been given the rights, more international games is how we are going to grow the game. It won't grow the game however if there only seen by a few hundred die hard fans online. Incredibly short sighted decision to try and make a couple of grand out of this.'"
Not sure I agree. How are you supposed to enter into future negotiations for broadcasting rights etc. and try and paint your sport in the most positive light if you've been giving broadcasting rights away for free in the past?
If the BBC really did want it for free then I can see why the rfl might have said no / asked for a fee.