Thursday night Super League games are here to stay…

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone has confirmed Thursday night games will remain next season.

Fans have voiced concerns for several years about fixtures being held on the weekday night with travel, work and school just some of the issues outlined.

But despite acknowledging the problems supporters face, Elstone says there won’t be a change because “Thursday nights work for Sky.”

He added: “The reality is they are our most important partner and we need to be delivering for Sky.

“Fans like to watch Thursday night rugby in front of the TV or in the pub so we have to accept that. We need to be positive about Thursdays.”

After confirming that loop fixtures will remain in Super League next season, Elstone did admit that late-fixture changes need to be avoided.

Matches have been switched at short notice to accommodate the Sky Sports’ cameras throughout 2019, with Wigan’s final round match with Castleford brought forward at just five days notice.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenegan highlighted the financial consequences of such a late change in his programme column ahead of last week’s game.

“The change to Thursday evening has undoubtedly affected many people and, financially, will affect Wigan as a club significantly to the tune of probably £50,000,” said Lenegan.

“We share with all fans the disappointment at the change but understand fully the right of our broadcaster, Sky, to select the games for TV.”