Calls for RFL to listen to fans over Summer Bash venue

Barrow Raiders hooker Nathan Mossop believes the Rugby Football League must listen to fans over the next Summer Bash location.

The 34-year-old featured from the bench in their 36-24 victory over Widnes at this year’s Championship event at Headingley Stadium.

It was the first time the Summer Bash had been moved from Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road. 

However, the move came with a new low – an attendance of 10,763.

It’s the lowest recorded attendance for the event.

Saturday saw a crowd of 6,752, which included Leigh’s clash with Featherstone. Sunday registered an official crowd of 4,011 – which is the second lowest day in any year of the event.

RFL will have to listen to what the fans want regarding Summer Bash, says Mossop

Mossop has made 24 appearances for the Raiders so far in 2022. They currently sit fifth in the table and head to Leigh on Sunday.

He said: “It’s a good day at the Summer Bash, it always is. I know there’s a lot of people in rugby league crying out for it to go back to Blackpool but for us players, it’s a special day.

“Speaking for myself, I think that for a player, it doesn’t have too much of an impact on us because playing at both Bloomfield Road and Headingley, they’re great stadiums. It almost feels like a cup final experience when you play there.

“It’s great for rugby league. But sometimes, as an organisation, the RFL will have to listen to what the fans want and enjoy more which seems to be more towards Blackpool rather than Headingley. 

“I know Leeds is a fantastic city and you’re never going to please everybody. But it’s just a great spectacle for Championship rugby and it showcases what’s on offer.

“I watched some of the games that went on over the weekend and it’s clear that you’ve got some fantastic teams that play some really good rugby.”

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