Ryan Brierley claims IMG’s Super League launch was “best it’s ever been”

It was announced last year that IMG would become major players in rugby league as they’re set to take over the commercial viability aspects of the sport with the intention to make it bigger than ever before.

The sports management company have set about huge proposals in their ‘re-imagining rugby league’ initiatives and those changes could see the biggest shake-up in the sport since the inception of Super League.

The upcoming 2023 season could see the initial implementation of IMG dipping their foot in the water as they begin the transformation of the sport.

With the Super League opener just four weeks away and pre-season well underway there’s lots to be excited about including the potential launch of the 27th season.

One player who was involved with the launch was Salford Red Devils’ full-back Ryan Brierley and he’s discussed the event with player agent, Craig Harrison, of Show Me The Money on the agency’s Youtube channel.

“It was the best it’s ever been, I’ve been to two or three of them but it’s the first time it’s been ran by Joe Gardiner who runs all the Channel 4 productions and his business was outsourced by IMG today to put that production on,” Brierley explained.

“The technology used was the best they’ve ever used, the camera they used they rented it for the day for seven grand. It was like a robot coming in, it’s the same camera they used for the Harry Kane launch.

“They did it for every player, it wasn’t just Sam Tomkins and Jai Field and then all the rest  had to go for a coffee. Every player had to do something specific so they knew my celebration and I did that. I think that’s brilliant, Kruise Leeming did his salute as well.”

Whilst it might just be one element and only the first step in their campaign to transform the sport it’s a hugely positive sign that players are reacting well to it and that no expense is being spared.