Peter Smith: Why TV coverage is causing a drift away from Sunday games – just ask Castleford Tigers fans

By Peter Smith
Published 12th Jun 2019, 20:00 BST
Castleford Tigers' The Jungle - ready to host another Sky TV game.Castleford Tigers' The Jungle - ready to host another Sky TV game.
Castleford Tigers' The Jungle - ready to host another Sky TV game.
TV or not TV, that is the question.

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Daryl Powell speaks to the media.Daryl Powell speaks to the media.
Daryl Powell speaks to the media.

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In Castleford Tigers’ case the answer is usually in the affirmative. Last Friday’s home clash with Huddersfield Giants was the first Tigers game not covered live on Sky Sports since March.

That was a run of 10 consecutive televised Betfred Super League fixtures, plus one in the Coral Challenge Cup. Tigers are a good team to watch and their games are rarely dull, but 11 successive matches?

After being shunned by the cameras six days ago, when – ironically – they were involved in a thriller which went into golden-point extra-time, Tigers will be back in the spotlight tonight as they take on Hull FC for the third occasion on Sky this season.

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Action from last Friday's live Sky Sports match between Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos.Action from last Friday's live Sky Sports match between Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos.
Action from last Friday's live Sky Sports match between Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos.

Castleford’s home game against Leeds Rhinos, traditionally their biggest gate of the campaign, has been brought forward two days to Friday, July 5, at Sky’s request.

The broadcaster also televised the two previous meetings between those sides this year, the most recent being on May 16.

Remarkably, Tigers haven’t had a home Sunday afternoon game since their win over Salford Red Devils on March 17.

Castleford have three home Sunday dates scheduled for the rest of the regular season, but any of those could be rearranged for television coverage.

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So, at best, Tigers will end this year having played just four of their 14 home games on a Sunday afternoon.

Castleford are one of the few clubs, Wakefield Trinity being another, who still prefer a Sunday matchday and weekend games are becoming a rarity.

Last Saturday and Sunday there were two – Trinity’s derby with Rhinos being shifted to the Friday – and Salford against Wakefield is the only Sunday fixture this week.

The drift away from Sunday games has an effect on coverage in the written media, though a relationship with the Press is something the game itself is increasingly turning its back on. More importantly, it makes it harder for fans to attend matches. Motorway travel on a Thursday or Friday evening is slow at best and even home fixtures can be a rush for supporters after work. Plus, Thursday is a school night which doubtless deters some families.

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