Kris Radlinski is hoping that an extended period without Rugby League will rekindle the flame for many lapsed Rugby League supporters, leading to a boost in crowd numbers.
The domestic season remains on hiatus until the threat of the coronavirus pandemic has subsided, with no date yet officially pencilled in for a return to action.
But Radlinski admits that if any positives are to come from this period, it would be that more people would stop taking the prospect of live elite sport for granted.
He said: “There’s so much uncertainty surrounding this period, but for Rugby League fans I hope this has re-ignited the flame.
“They can’t wait to get back to grounds now. Maybe in the past we’ve taken this game for granted a bit. But now we and the supporters are bullish about the future.”
Radlinski also admits that Rugby League will need those supporters more than ever when the turnstiles eventually do re-open, with clubs facing huge financial losses this year.
“I’m an optimist, I really am,” he said.
“You don’t have much chance to do much else in these times, so you read comments and take on board what people are saying and I really hope this does convince people to come back.
“We need those people, the supporters, more than ever now. If anyone has got any love for Rugby League, now is the time to show it when we get back playing.
“The players won’t disappoint, we all know that, so come in your colours and get us through it. It’s not going to be the same, but I hope people have still got that love affair for this game.”
