47 replies to this topic

[SirRadlinski]

To be fair the Monday matches on Sky are now "the norm", and that should be factored in with what went on this season. I do sympathise with your plight - in fact I'm releaved Bradford have got away without a Monday match for a second year running (at least one not on a Bank Holiday) because I probably couldn't make it if there was one.

Sky really couldn't be making it easier though by announcing every Monday game so far out (months to make plans/book time off if needs be and your workplace allows), when they could be left with a few duffers at the expence of better matches going untelevised on in any particular round as the business end of the season approaches.

I agree they are the norm in that its the second season, and it looks like they are here to stay, but they are still only from the end of may to the start of august, which is backs up what i said about it being because the football isnt on. It wont be the "norm" unless they are prepared to do it for the full season, and if its such a great idea and good for rugby league, and SKY arent doing it just for themselves then why dont they do that?

You are spot on though about the early release of the fixtures, that is definitely a good move by SKY, very helpful, although those who cant attend still cant attend but like you say at least some can make plans early

[SirRadlinski]

Living outside the heartlands, I struggle to get to any Friday matches, and definately can't get to any Monday matches, but at least they're televised so I can watch the Leeds matches at home (I know this doesn't suit people that are working etc). Even the Sunday matches are a bit inconvenient for me!

And I don't know how they've done it, but Leeds have managed to make the only game they play locally to me on a Monday night as well!

Sods bl00dy law!

[Southstander13]

Well i'm not convinced, that statement seems like opinion disguised as fact to me. They sure arent moving the schedule for rugby leagues benefit, as you say they are a business and are therefore doing it for their own needs first and foremost, though as you also point out they pay millions for the privilege of doing so. Southstander is right, i dont know what the affect on viewing figures has been but i would have thought saturday night was a great slot for RL, many people at home to watch on tv, evening kick off so families can still have a large chunk of their day to do family stuff before attending/watching the game, and even those on a night out could catch the game in a bar somewhere, possibly attracting new fans. Monday night , everyone has work/school the next day, kids at home may have homework or have to go to bed earlier so less likely to watch, i'd suggest theres nowhere near as many people out likely to catch it on in a pub, it seems only ready made rugby league fans will be watching or attending.

I really dont see how this is seen as a positive move, i'm not saying im right, but i really dont see it

I actually disagree in regards to saturday nights, i often found that I missed saturday games on tv as I was doing one thing or another, so for me as a tv viewer i actually prefer monday nights as usually I am free to watch the game.

As i mentioned earlier, I wasnt too keen on attending the monday night games just because of work the next day, I still went but did find myself a bit less productive for a couple of days after!!

[brooza]

i'd suggest theres nowhere near as many people out likely to catch it on in a pub, it seems only ready made rugby league fans will be watching or attending.

I really dont see how this is seen as a positive move, i'm not saying im right, but i really dont see it

When it was first announced, I would have agreed with you there, but at my place of work there's a few people who just happened to catch it on Sky on a Monday night, and loved it! Really looking forward to it starting up again this year.

I guess some people go out to the pub (or trendy bars without sports on) on a Friday/Saturday night so never really get to see it

[brooza]

I actually disagree in regards to saturday nights, i often found that I missed saturday games on tv as I was doing one thing or another, so for me as a tv viewer i actually prefer monday nights as usually I am free to watch the game.

As i mentioned earlier, I wasnt too keen on attending the monday night games just because of work the next day, I still went but did find myself a bit less productive for a couple of days after!!

I like the Saturday night matches. I'd tent to hang around at the clubhouse after a St Albans home game and watch the match with the lads.

Sods bl00dy law!

I'm not complaining too much though, it's about as expensive and the same length of time for me to get to Twickenham as it does to get to Headingley! I need to save money for the RLWC anyway so was planning on cutting down on SL matches next year anyway

[South Wakefield Sharks]

For the early bird offer, Wakey's finished end of October, way before the fixtures came out and we still shipped over 4,000 of them. Personally I like the Monday night rugby. Nice to come home form work and watch a match on the TV or live, and it free's up Saturdays.

Always winners and losers, but I think generally it's been a positive.

[Padge]

I agree they are the norm in that its the second season, and it looks like they are here to stay, but they are still only from the end of may to the start of august, which is backs up what i said about it being because the football isnt on. It wont be the "norm" unless they are prepared to do it for the full season, and if its such a great idea and good for rugby league, and SKY arent doing it just for themselves then why dont they do that?

You are spot on though about the early release of the fixtures, that is definitely a good move by SKY, very helpful, although those who cant attend still cant attend but like you say at least some can make plans early

Have you ever bought a product or service and asked for delivery on a specific day, its no different with Sky and RL than it is with Joe Bloggs buying a fridge or getting an enginner out to fix his washing machine.

The RFL are in the business of selling a product, RL games. Sky are the customer who pay a substantial amount for the RL product, they want that product delivering on a certain day. If the RFL don't want to deliver on that day there are plenty of other sports providers willing to sell Sky their product.

[Railway End]

I enjoy MNF as I can sit down at home and concentrate on the game. As others have said Saturday nights were awkward sometimes with family commitments or only half watching the game in the pub.

I'm just hoping they consider letting Bill Arthur or Rod Studd do the Monday commentary so I can watch with the sound on.