Championship: Bulls urge Sky to cover season opener

Bradford Bulls Managing Director Steve Ferres is urging the RFL and Sky Sports to televise the opening fixture of the Championship season between Leigh Centurions and the Bulls at Leigh Sports Village on 15 February next year.

The fixtures were published last week, and Ferres suggests that the opportunity to see the game on Sky would be a great boost for the competition.

“From the league’s point of view I hope there will be an option to broadcast that game,” Ferres told League Express.

“Our fans are buzzing about it, and I’m sure the Leigh supporters will be just the same, and it would make great viewing for all Rugby League supporters.

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“I think it would be a tremendous match to showcase the Championship on television, and I don’t think a decision to televise it would reduce the attendance. Our fans will be heading to Leigh in droves for the match, and everyone is looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul says that the climax of the 2015 season could be the most exciting period in the club’s history.

Hunter-Paul has given his full backing to the sport’s new structure, and believes the Bulls can thrive in the system, despite dropping out of Super League.

Hunter-Paul said: “I believe next season will be the most exciting one of the modern era and, from the start of next week, I am going to be outlining exactly why.

“For starters, there are going to be more games than ever before, with at least 14 and more than likely 15 taking place – rather than the 13 we have become accustomed to in recent years.

“The final three or four games of next season, in my opinion, will provide arguably the most exciting period of the Bulls’ history.

“I fully expect those ties to take care of themselves.

“What I am really looking forward to is the journey en route to the ‘Super 8s’ and it is set to begin in some style, with Leigh Centurions hosting us in round one of the regular season.

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“When you look at the quality present within the sport’s second tier, with a host of Super League stars now involved at this level, we are entering a really vibrant competition.

“I compare this current period to the 1995-1996 Centenary Season, when the sport was on the verge of a whole new dawn. We are currently playing a waiting game but everyone knows it will soon be over.

“Back then, we were lucky to be followed by a number of incredible, loyal supporters on our journey and I would like to see everyone join us on this one.”