The RFL are contemplating moving kick off times for Thursday games earlier. It's official- they are mad. How do they think that will improve attendances, especially with cross Pennines matches.

You'd have to say that if they move Thursday (or Friday IMO) matches to an earlier kick-off then they need to make sure they are not cross-pennines matches.
Getting across the M62 for an 8pm kick off is bad enough if you've been working all day - any earlier would be absolute madness and would see swindling numbers of away fans

Clowns running the circus! Ridiculous idea

The problem they are trying to resolve is the late finishing times of televised matches.

Rather than change the start time, how about starting the game ON TIME, having the prescribed 15 minute half time not extended by adverts and waffle then get rid of the video ref and we will all be home before breakfast.

How about doing away with Thursday night matches altogether?

Bingo! They should move the additional televised fixture back to Saturday.

Or Televise a Sunday game

I've always been of the view that if a match is not televised then it should only be played on a Saturday or a Sunday. It then gives a realistic chance for the more keen fans (who like going to away matches) a realistic opportunity to go. I'm sick of missing matches because it is unrealistic for me to hope to arrive at the ground on time. With the roadworks on the M62 (is there ever a time when there isn't roadworks?) make it even more of a challenge at the moment.

However I feel like I moan in vain. Clubs like Saints and Wigan are less interested in receiving my hard earned money then their fans complain about the "poor" travelling support.

I think they had a few TV games at 6.30 on a Sunday night a couple of years ago and would be worth a try for a full season. Sunday is a traditional day for rugby league and 6.30 does not clash with any non TV games or English football. Also the roads are relatively quiet so travel is easy and an 8.30 finish means plenty of time to get home for those needing an early work start on Monday.

That is too simple for the RFL.

The Thursday Night game!

I completely understand why many (most/all) would be opposed to this. The Sky introduction of this nightmare for The Championship has possibly produced the lowest crowds (live and on television) that football has ever seen. It would seem logical that this would also apply to Rugby League.

However, the two sports have sold their souls to Sky and have to adhere to their masters beck and call. If they say that they must show live games on a Thursday as they have nothing else to broadcast, then so be it!

I hadn't realised till recently that Super League clubs had so many games played outside of Saturday & Sunday. This must be a nightmare for all fans to attend on a regular basis. For me football should be Saturday at 3.00pm and I thought RL should be Sunday at 3.00pm (or when the majority of fans deem to be the correct day & time).

As a football man, I was one of the few that knew the video referee only operated for televised matches. The majority of us in the south thought this happened at ALL Super League games. Is this generally welcomed by supporters, or should it be all matches or none?

Anyhow, to be contrary, I'm really looking forward to watching Sky at 8.00 this evening. Hopefully I will see Wakefield book a semi final place!

3078 tonight at Salford. Thursday won't have helped but they deserve better than that.

And we took a good following for a Thursday night.

I would also scrap Thursday night games and only have the televised game played on Friday.

It is nothing short of stupidity from the RFL, especially when they are also looking at minimum standards, which looks at attendances.

The RFL really arent fit for purpose

+1