Eddie Hearn talking SL again......

[The Masked Poster]

1 minute ago, Archie Gordon said:

https://www.rugbyleagueontv.com/bbc

That suggests we are getting a Saturday afternoon BBC1 slot. That seems like a huge improvement on last year.

It sounds like a pretty good spot.

One question though, with Mark Chapman moving onto MOTD, would this mean he would no longer be involved in presenting RL? It would be a shame as he's a credible and enthusiastic front for the games. 

[JonM]

20 minutes ago, JohnM said:

Is he now or has he ever been a member of the rugby league hierarchy? 

Mr Rimmer? He was for many years, yes  

[JohnM]

Given the criticism he's had from posters on here in the past, I'm surprised he hasn't had even more

[Dullish Mood]

3 hours ago, Dave T said:

Indeed. We've never been off the BBC. One of the very few sports that have been ever present there.

 

….and it hasn’t moved us on one bit in terms of growth?  Yet some still think “get some games on the BBC” is the answer?  Weird.

[48C North Stand]

4 hours ago, Dave T said:

Indeed. We've never been off the BBC. One of the very few sports that have been ever present there.

 

Yes, but TV choice now compared to the 4 channel choice of the 80s when RL stars were household names is much diluted with 100s of alternative simultaneous broadcasts, streaming services and a move away from TV to social media output by younger people. 

One live sporting event on the BBC in 1985 was a big deal. Now it's wedged in between scheduled shows concentrated on flogging old stuff. 

[JohnM]

1 hour ago, Dullish Mood said:

….and it hasn’t moved us on one bit in terms of growth?  Yet some still think “get some games on the BBC” is the answer?  Weird.

Even weirder: I think maybe it's just PART of the answer, though it does depend on the question, of course.

In my view, its not so much about what we selfishly want nor about reflexes conditioned to scoff at anything positive. It's about attracting new and lapsed viewers and the benefit that brings in terms of income from the BBC and others from meeting viewing targets, sponsorships etc. 

I'm just fed up of this continuous sniping. I just can't wait for the season proper when all right-thinking fans can resume the traditional RL activities of moaning at the match coverage, the presenters, the pundits, the commentators, the refs (video and real) and their decisions ad nauseum.

[Just Browny]

21 hours ago, The Masked Poster said:

It sounds like a pretty good spot.

One question though, with Mark Chapman moving onto MOTD, would this mean he would no longer be involved in presenting RL? It would be a shame as he's a credible and enthusiastic front for the games. 

I have no inside knowledge but I don't think it necessarily means that. He already does a vast amount of TV and radio and seems to have an almost limitless capacity. I think it's most likely to reduce some of his participation on 5Live Sport on a Saturday afternoon.

 

[sweaty craiq]

21 hours ago, Dullish Mood said:

….and it hasn’t moved us on one bit in terms of growth?  Yet some still think “get some games on the BBC” is the answer?  Weird.

You can go to the best restaurant but if the food is awful and the atmosphere terrible you don’t go back. The presentation needs to be right, game selection right and grounds full to drag in the casual watchers.

[EastLondonMike]

IMO opinion RL doesn't need Personalities to grow its profile, it needs success. And the only adequate attention the sport will be able to generate currently through success will have to come at International level.

And the increase in visibility of players and their personalities etc will come off the back of some continued success.

I have no time at all for Eddie Hearn - so I'm likely slightly biased - but i honestly don't think he would do anything for the sport. 

The game desperately does need some dynamic individuals to help navigate a changing and evolving landscape, but he's not it. And I wouldn't even put him in that category.

I don't think theres a magic wand. For me its about putting proper structures and process in place, with a good focused strategy.

[Mark S]

It feels like I can’t move for seeing Joe Marler’s massive bonce at the moment. He is seen as someone with a personality, although I find him very annoying, the very embodiment of the University rugger ######.

Brew Dog has some sort of partnership with Union, which looks like a marriage made in heaven, two terrible organisations with a popular, but low quality product.

[EggFace]

1 hour ago, Mark S said:

It feels like I can’t move for seeing Joe Marler’s massive bonce at the moment. He is seen as someone with a personality, although I find him very annoying, the very embodiment of the University rugger ######.

Brew Dog has some sort of partnership with Union, which looks like a marriage made in heaven, two terrible organisations with a popular, but low quality product.

James Haskell the same.

[Damien]

These are nice easy ways to get positive publicity for the game:

Three Manchester United stars have been left blown away by the skills of Super League - after getting up close and personal with Wigan Warriors.

United players Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana were at Wigan's Robin Park training complex today to get an inside look at how the Super League and World Club champions are preparing for the new season. And the trio are said to have been left in awe by what they saw as the Warriors put on a training masterclass for the Premier League stars to showcase Super League's defining qualities.

The collab, which was arranged by BetFred, saw the Warriors put on a training clinic to show off the competition's repertoire of talents during the session. It included a masterclass on acrobatic finishes as well as the art of contact and wrestle.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/manchester-united-wigan-warriors-training-30823842#google_vignette

[Tommygilf]

On 18/01/2025 at 09:30, EastLondonMike said:

IMO opinion RL doesn't need Personalities to grow its profile, it needs success. And the only adequate attention the sport will be able to generate currently through success will have to come at International level.

And the increase in visibility of players and their personalities etc will come off the back of some continued success.

I have no time at all for Eddie Hearn - so I'm likely slightly biased - but i honestly don't think he would do anything for the sport. 

The game desperately does need some dynamic individuals to help navigate a changing and evolving landscape, but he's not it. And I wouldn't even put him in that category.

I don't think theres a magic wand. For me its about putting proper structures and process in place, with a good focused strategy.

I actually think the only role for the Hearns where they could transfer some of their know how would be primarily in International RL. Essentially they would do all the PR for the England RL side. 

Unfortunately we haven't cultivated opponents enough to make it worthwhile atm.

[HawkMan]

2 hours ago, Damien said:

These are nice easy ways to get positive publicity for the game:

Three Manchester United stars have been left blown away by the skills of Super League - after getting up close and personal with Wigan Warriors.

United players Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana were at Wigan's Robin Park training complex today to get an inside look at how the Super League and World Club champions are preparing for the new season. And the trio are said to have been left in awe by what they saw as the Warriors put on a training masterclass for the Premier League stars to showcase Super League's defining qualities.

The collab, which was arranged by BetFred, saw the Warriors put on a training clinic to show off the competition's repertoire of talents during the session. It included a masterclass on acrobatic finishes as well as the art of contact and wrestle.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/manchester-united-wigan-warriors-training-30823842#google_vignette

Just as well Amorim wasn't there, he may have tried to sign a few Warriors to replace the shower of ###### currently masquerading as United players.

[Futtocks]

On 18/01/2025 at 11:08, Mark S said:

Brew Dog has some sort of partnership with Union, which looks like a marriage made in heaven, two terrible organisations with a popular, but low quality product.

Brewdog are also major sponsors of the London Broncos. Pretty much their only saving grace.

[JohnM]

17 hours ago, HawkMan said:

Just as well Amorim wasn't there, he may have tried to sign a few Warriors to replace the shower of ###### currently masquerading as United players.

He was at the Etihad watching Man U women's team beat Man City's women's team, scouting for Man U Premier League players.

[WN83]

There would be so much to learn for those Manchester United players in a professional, humble and driven environment, like the one at Wigan (and other rugby league clubs). Sadly, I'm sure it will have very much been seen as them doing Wigan and Rugby League a favour by gracing them with their presence for an hour or so, a bit like they'd see a visit to a sponsors premises. United should use this spell of turmoil to bring their players back down to earth and make them realise the position of privilege they're in but unfortunately, if they tried to do that, the toys would come out and they'd just move somewhere else for 100/200/300k a week. 

[gingerjon]

32 minutes ago, JohnM said:

He was at the Etihad watching Man U women's team beat Man City's women's team, scouting for Man U Premier League players.

He saw a decent game with some sparkling football. Probably been a while for him since the last time that happened for him.

[HawkMan]

18 hours ago, WN83 said:

There would be so much to learn for those Manchester United players in a professional, humble and driven environment, like the one at Wigan (and other rugby league clubs). Sadly, I'm sure it will have very much been seen as them doing Wigan and Rugby League a favour by gracing them with their presence for an hour or so, a bit like they'd see a visit to a sponsors premises. United should use this spell of turmoil to bring their players back down to earth and make them realise the position of privilege they're in but unfortunately, if they tried to do that, the toys would come out and they'd just move somewhere else for 100/200/300k a week. 

Footballers have nothing to learn watching League players. They absolutely I'm sure marvelled at the skills, but cannot replicate them in Football. Also I'm sure impressed at the dedication of League players for so scant a reward. But footballers don't reach the top tier without their own dedication and fitness hard work and abstinence. Also only the very top are on 300K. Lesser Premier ones on about 50K to Championship ones at 20K per week ,down to 6 or 7 hundred in League 2, still nice though. I agree it's more publicity for Wigan than for Manchester United.

Edited January 22 by HawkMan

[WN83]

16 minutes ago, HawkMan said:

Footballers have nothing to learn watching League players. They absolutely I'm sure marveled at the skills, but cannot replicate them in Football. Also I'm sure impressed at the dedication of League players for so scant a reward. But footballers don't reach the top tier without their own dedication and fitness hard work and abstinence. Also only the very top are on 300K. Lesser Premier ones on about 50K to Championship ones at 20K per week ,down to 6 or 7 hundred in League 2, still nice though. I agree it's more publicity for Wigan than for Manchester United.

Marcus is that you? 

[HawkMan]

58 minutes ago, WN83 said:

Marcus is that you? 

Nope 

Edited January 21 by HawkMan

[JM2010]

On 20/01/2025 at 18:32, Damien said:

These are nice easy ways to get positive publicity for the game:

Three Manchester United stars have been left blown away by the skills of Super League - after getting up close and personal with Wigan Warriors.

United players Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana were at Wigan's Robin Park training complex today to get an inside look at how the Super League and World Club champions are preparing for the new season. And the trio are said to have been left in awe by what they saw as the Warriors put on a training masterclass for the Premier League stars to showcase Super League's defining qualities.

The collab, which was arranged by BetFred, saw the Warriors put on a training clinic to show off the competition's repertoire of talents during the session. It included a masterclass on acrobatic finishes as well as the art of contact and wrestle.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/manchester-united-wigan-warriors-training-30823842#google_vignette

This should be all over social media with videos of the training and interviews with the players. Would be great publicity 

 

Edit - just read the article again and seen that the video is getting released soon

Edited January 21 by JM2010

[JohnM]

6 hours ago, gingerjon said:

He saw a decent game with some sparkling football. Probably been a while for him since the last time that happened for him.

I don't suppose he was actually there..but he should have been. . Just my crude attempt to suggest the women's team was better than the mens. 

[Damien]

Just on getting more views for the game and appealing to different audiences. This is an interesting approach to hype up and get eyeballs on the Vegas event. The NRL actively trying to get US creators to promote Rugby League:

 

Edited January 28 by Damien

[sam4731]

On 18/01/2025 at 09:30, EastLondonMike said:

IMO opinion RL doesn't need Personalities to grow its profile, it needs success. And the only adequate attention the sport will be able to generate currently through success will have to come at International level.

And the increase in visibility of players and their personalities etc will come off the back of some continued success.

I have no time at all for Eddie Hearn - so I'm likely slightly biased - but i honestly don't think he would do anything for the sport. 

The game desperately does need some dynamic individuals to help navigate a changing and evolving landscape, but he's not it. And I wouldn't even put him in that category.

I don't think theres a magic wand. For me its about putting proper structures and process in place, with a good focused strategy.

I think you're right about success but personally I think we've missed the boat (for now).

I think the only way we make waves with the British public is to win a World Cup in this country. Even winning it in 2026 won't be enough in my opinion because there won't be enough of a following of the team given the time matches will be on.