The opening fixture for Super League Champions Wigan Warriors away to Castleford Tigers on Saturday 17th February will now kick off at the later time of 5:30pm.
The Super League champions start their season on the road at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle in Round 1 of the competition. The game, which was previously scheduled to kick-off at 3pm, will now commence at the later time of 5:30pm.
This could mean that they become the first clubs to feature on BBC Two with the RFL expected to agree a deal with the broadcasters for free to air rugby league in 2024 which was part of their agreement with Sky Sports for 2024 and beyond. This is alongside the new streaming service.
It has been reported that Super League fixtures will feature on BBC Two from 17:30 on Saturday evenings suggesting that this fixture could be the first of its kind.
Serious About Rugby League understands that an announcement is imminent.
Wigan Warriors set to fly the flag for Super League on BBC
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 17/02/2019 – Rugby League – World Club Challenge – Wigan Warriors v Sydney Roosters – DW Stadium, Wigan, England – Betfred World Club Challenge trophy.
Wigan are set to feature on BBC Two the week after as well in their World Club Challenge clash with Penrith Panthers is reportedly set to be shown both on Sky Sports and on BBC.
The game will take place at the DW Stadium on Saturday 24th February, kicking off at 8pm and will definitely be shown live on Sky Sports.
Wigan Warriors defeated Catalans Dragons 10-2 in the Betfred Super League Grand Final to become Super League Champions in October while Penrith Panthers were victors over the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL Grand Final to set up this mouth-watering Clash of the Champions.
The only previous meeting of the respective 2023 champions of the Betfred Super League and the NRL Telstra Premiership came 32 years ago at Anfield, when the former All Black Frano Botica starred in a 21-4 Wigan win.
This game will be Wigan’s ninth attempt at becoming World Club Champions having claimed the title in 1987, 1991, 1993 and most recently in 2017. It will be the Panthers’ fourth World Club Challenge appearance. A win for Wigan would be their fifth in total, victory for Penrith would be their first.
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