The one thing that is often forgotten is that fans make rugby league what it is.
This is why Barrie McDermott is so impressed by three clubs in particular.
He praised Wigan Warriors, Hull KR and Leigh Leopards as the standard setters when it comes to the likes of fan zones and pre-match entertainment.
“The Wigan fan zone is fantastic really. I think about Craven Park I’ve just been over there, and here at Robin Park,” he said on the Bench.
“We should do more for our fans before the game if we want them to turn up early, put something on and put some kind of scene around it.
“I always remember Brian talked to me, I’m talking so 20 years ago, and he was saying that we can’t be that arrogant that we think that the game and the product on the field is the biggest reason or the only reason that people should make the journey to come and watch the game.
“Surround it with something else and Leigh is a good example of that.”
Jon Wilkin then added: “There’s no downside to that is there? We’re creating a great experience for families.
“Off the bench for me is cheerleaders or pre-match entertainment or bands or dance troupes.
“I’m talking about pre-match entertainment. I think we should just do it better. Do more of it. Be more extravagant with it.
“The biggest one for me was when Leigh started with Scouting for Girls, so Scouting for Girls were on and then and then the next time we went it was an Elvis impersonator. It was good, but where do we go from there?”
