“Absolutely mint having fans back even though it was away fans and I got called a w**ker about 10 times” – how players reacted to the return of fans

Monday’s games were massive for one major reason: the return of fans. And, a number of players took to social media to give their own views.

Castleford player Peter Mata’utia was unhappy with his own performance, but couldn’t hide his joy at fans’ return.

Personally, last nights efforts was shit by me.
But I do want to thank everyone who turned up last night. It was so good seeing the town back especially the kids.
We go again.

— PeanutMatautia (@PeteMatautia) May 18, 2021

Ryan Hall addressed the “fat” chants he got whilst Hull KR were at Castleford.

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed that. Loved seeing the @hullkrofficial fan section.and great chat from the @CTRLFC fans….apparently they think I’m fat 🤷🏾‍♂️😂 pic.twitter.com/M7Xn3gjx9j

— Ryan Hall (@Ryan5Hall) May 17, 2021

John Bateman too shared his experience at being hounded by the opposition fans.

Absolutely mint having fans back even though It was away fans and I got called a wanker about 10 times. Iv missed you lot ☺️😂

Good to pick up the ✌🏻 points too 🍒⚪️

— John Bateman (@johnbateman1) May 17, 2021

Whilst Wigan’s John Bateman was a target for Leigh fans, his teammate Jake Bibby was more supportive.

Class to have the fans back, 6 from 6 🙌🏻 @WiganWarriorsRL

— Jake Bibby (@JakeBibby) May 17, 2021

Warrington’s Ben Currie couldn’t hide his joy at seeing the spectators inside the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Not the result we wanted last night but so good to hear you guys back in the stadium!! 🐺 pic.twitter.com/nfwoMv3FNH

— Ben Currie (@BenoCurrie) May 18, 2021

Leigh’s Junior Sa’u also waxed lyrical about the return.

Wasn’t the results we wanted tonight but we go again! Awesome to have the @LeighCenturions FANS back. On to the next. 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️

— Junior Sa'u (@junior_sau) May 17, 2021

Saints’ Kyle Amor joined in that joy.

It was so good to see you all again 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/ixNL1T2Hbi

— Kyle Amor (@kylejamor87) May 18, 2021

Mike Cooper was very happy to lead Warrington out as captain, even if it did end in defeat.

Proud to lead the team tonight, first half we were way off! Second half we showed what where capable of. Credit to Huddersfield and it was amazing to see our fans back! #bestfansinthegame
Time to rest and get ready for Saturday @WarringtonRLFC 🔶🔷

— Mike Cooper (@MikeCooper_18) May 18, 2021

Catalans’ Sam Tomkins noted the difference it made having spectators back.

Fans back. What a difference! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— sam tomkins (@samtomkins1) May 17, 2021