Rugby league fans furious as they discover they can’t watch huge international on TV

Today most fans are looking ahead to England vs Tonga at Huddersfield Giants’ John Smith’s Stadium as former Wigan Warriors boss Shaun Wane and former St Helens boss Kristian Woolf collide once more after a war of words in recent weeks.

If Tonga win, they will set up a series decider at the home of Leeds Rhinos next weekend: the newly renamed AMT Headingley Stadium. However, a win for England will see them win the series and set themselves up for a potential clean sweep at Headingley next week.

But this game isn’t the only high profile fixture this weekend with Australia and and New Zealand going toe to toe as part of the Pacific Championship.

Before the conclusion of the Super League season, it was confirmed by Sky Sports that the Pacific Championship would be broadcast and it has been terrific for fans to enjoy over recent weeks seeing the likes of Nene MacDonald, Rhyse Martin, Edwin Ipape, Lachlan Lam, Fa’amanu Brown and many more Super League players.

However, at the climax of the tournament, many fans have felt let down by Sky’s coverage of the game between Australia and New Zealand.

When fans tuned in to watch the game on the red button, which was a late decision made and has itself left fans confused and watching golf, they were told there was a technical issue denying them the coverage.

It was speculated by many that this was because the broadcast wasn’t beginning until 10:10 and eventually coverage did begin but mid-way through the Haka.

However, there was another concern for fans trying to watch on Sky Go. Sky Go doesn’t provide access to the red button programming and left one fan on social media describing it as a farce as they discovered that they couldn’t watch it.

Fortunately, fans will be able to watch England vs Tonga on BBC one. Kick-off is at 14:30 with coverage beginning at 14:30. Shaun Wane could give Warrington Wolves star Matty Ashton his debut on the wing with Tommy Makinson dropping out through injury.

Likewise it could be a big day for Leigh Leopards star Robbie Mulhern with Morgan Knowles unavailable.