Channel 4 coverage of rugby league has been a revelation in 2022 so far.
With a breath of fresh air in punditry and commentary, the terrestrial channel has been a big hit with rugby league supporters.
Indeed, Channel 4’s coverage of Leeds Rhinos’ home game with the Warrington Wolves in round one drew in almost 750,000 viewers, with the likes of Adam Hills, Leon Pryce and Danika Priim excelling in front of the microphone.
However, for Warrington’s home fixture with Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, the numbers had dropped significantly – perhaps a combination of the good weather and two sides who some rugby league fans weren’t interested in.
There was an average viewing figure of 198,000 which was 3.4% of the coverage at that time with a peak of 297,000.
Those that did switch on were treated to a classic as Warrington were consigned to a 38-22 defeat to Trinity on their own patch.
The scores were locked at 18-18 at half-time, but Wakefield were in a rampant mood in the second-half, scoring three scintillating tries to pull off one of the shocks of the season so far.
For Warrington boss Daryl Powell, it was a hard defeat to take and he apologised to the fans what his side dished up.
“It was really uncomfortable,” Powell said live on Channel 4 following the result.
“We started well and a couple of young players got us a lead early on, but it was poor.
“Wakefield are a good side and they move the ball but we’re not defending well enough to win games like that and that impacts on our attacking game then.
“I apologise to the fans as we’ve got to be delivering better than that.”