Channel 4 reveals staggering viewing figures for Leeds Rhinos’ fixture with Warrington Wolves

Channel 4 began their rugby league coverage with a bang yesterday as Leeds Rhinos hosted Warrington Wolves at Headingley at 12.30pm.

It was an incredible game, with the Wolves running out 22-20 winners as Leeds were reduced to 11 men at one stage following a red card given to James Bentley and then a yellow given to Brad Dwyer.

However, the Rhinos should be credited with an excellent defiant response, taking their opponents all the way only to narrowly lose towards the end of the game.

And, there was considerable excitement amongst – not just rugby league fans – but the general public, interested in seeing live rugby league on terrestrial television for the first time.

There was perhaps no wonder, therefore, that the crowd figures resembled that with an average audience of 531,000 with almost 750,000 watching the final few moments of the game.

That was the equivalent of 7% audience share which proves just how well received the game was in its new home.

Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves attracted an average audience of 531,000 with nearly 750,000 watching the closing moments of the game. This represents an audience share of 7% and is a fantastic start for Super League on terrestrial television. #RugbyLeague

— The Game Caller 🗣🎙📻 (@TheGameCaller) February 13, 2022

With Sky Sports now being rivalled by the likes of Premier Sports and now Channel 4, the triumvirate of Leon Pryce, Danika Priim and Sam Tomkins was heralded whilst Adam Hills proved the perfect choice as host.