Rugby league has to use free TV to its advantage this week explains Rohan Smith

Rohan Smith has said that Saturday’s game against Wigan Warriors which can be watched by anyone across the country on free TV on the BBV is an opportunity for the game to grow and expand.

“I think it’s an opportunity for the game as much as just for the Rhinos,” Smith explained.

“But for both us and for Wigan to put on a good show. Leeds and Wigan have great history, no more than even last week. It’s a memorable game in lots of ways last week. If we can put on some kind of memorable performance for the neutral supporter out there or the people that are new to Rugby League, that’s important. But to get out there and compete and scrap and find a way to win a Challenge Cup game is a priority and if it’s entertaining then that’s a bonus.”

With the sport facing a battle for a new TV deal this year, a good spectacle on free TV can only help.

He also added that the Rhinos have different ways of hurting Wigan after last week’s win:

“We have a few different sort of methods of asking questions of the opposition. But last week we fumbled around in the first half and then in the second half we managed to complete a few sets and build a little bit of pressure. To be fair, a few things went our way also, but the energy and the spirit that they showed is, you know, that’s important in every game you play, so getting that part right, ideally from the first minute, and then seeing how long we can go for.”