But there wasn't an option for Sky and the BBC to share like they have with Premier....given what was on the table, this was the best option.

where did I mention super league or sponsors? I said the sport was in a decent position to push forward, given the right leadership. Which it is.



The coverage has been a massive improvement. Don't be fooled by what you see from the other side of the world. The crowds have been above most expectations (yeah yeah 500k etc etc before you say it), and are way above many other sports in the UK. I didn't say it wouldn't take more than the "feel good factor". That's why I made the point about those in charge knowing how to keep the ball rolling.

1. BBC have the rights to the Challenge cup which attracts between 1.3 and 1.6 million.....the BBC exposure hasn't done much for RL in the UK, but you now think that 6 games 3 months before the start of the SL season is going to make a difference?
2. Do you think the current leadership are the right leadership? Make no mistake, Wood will cover himself in the glory of this RLWC...
3. Media Coverage has been slightly better than before. If you think it's any more than that, I suggest you buy every paper on Sunday and compare the coverage of England's defeat of France in a RLWC QF with the coverage given to "other sports".
4. December 1st and normal service will be resumed at the RFL. Clubs on the edge, a split in SL as to the way forward and the generation of commercial revenues and the search for a naming rights sponsor.....as you say,let's hope the right people are in the right jobs.

I don't get the point of comparing to "other sports". Does RU whip itself because it isn't as big as soccer in the UK? The aim should be continual improvement for RL.

The RFL have a great platform to generate new corporate and media interest in SL on the back of the RLWC. They will be judged, and judged harshly by the SL clubs who are just looking for an excuse to punt them, if they do not make the most of these opportunities.

Getting SL on FTA has to be a goal for the end of the Sky contract, that should be the number one priority for the RFL/SL clubs.

We have seen in Australia what happens to a code if it is relegated to just Pay TV with S15 ratings a joke and Aleague clubs continually on the brink.

International sport is a bigger draw than a domestic competition. We don't know how many of the people watching on the BBC were casual fans or curious non-fans. Ill hazard a guess that there are more casuals/curious watching this than watching a challenge cup game though.



No i dont think they are the right people. I'm not sure i ever said they were.




Im not interested in comparing with other sports. Im interested in comparing rugby league with rugby league. It was never about getting as much coverage as other football codes as you put it. That wasnt the aim. But suggesting that the media coverage hasnt been vastly improved, and the sports profile hasnt gone up as a result is simply a fallacy.



Ill worry about that at the time. For now im going to carry on enjoying a cracking tournament, at busy stadiums, with great friendly atmospheres, portraying everything thats great about the sport.

Thanks to Sky wanting exclusivity, we couldn't have one or the other. IMG have picked the best option available to them.

I said this elsewhere.....1 game a week on BBC3/ITV4/C5 would be what I would look for instead of extra cash......

Don't know if anyone mentioned but all the Premier Sports games have been available Virgin, we have the 'medium' TV package I think and Premier has been on there certainly since the WC started (I just never looked that much as we only just got it)
I'd say there are a lot lot more than the 10K sole subscribers watching the RLWC

Good point about it being free to air for virgin customers.. so yes alot more watching than just the 10k subscribers

Vossy said "p@€€y" today.

Called Broughy a sneaky bugger last night didn't he?