Chappers to host SL fan day

Correspondent

BBC Radio One and Five Live presenter and Rugby League fan Mark Chapman is to host the Engage Super League fan day at The Trafford Centre, Manchester, on Saturday January 23.

Chapman, better known to listeners of BBC Radio One’s Scott Mills Show as ‘Chappers,’ will introduce the 14 Engage Super League teams and question them on their prospects for the 2010 Engage Super League season which kicks-off on Saturday January 29.

The event will be based in The Trafford Centre’s food hall, The Orient, and will feature live music, player interviews and the Engage Super League’s Super Fan competition.

Phil Williams, the RFL’s Marketing Manager, said: “We are delighted that Mark Chapman has agreed to host the Engage Super League fans’ day.  He’s a big name and also a big fan of the sport and I’m sure the combination of the two will make for a great day for all the family.

“Supporters will get the chance to meet players, have pictures taken with the Carnegie Challenge Cup and the Engage Super League trophy as well as win tickets to October’s Grand Final at Old Trafford.”

Mark Chapman said: “From my days at University in Hull I’m a big Rugby League and like all supporters cannot wait for the new season to start at the end of this month.  Last year saw one of the most competitive seasons yet and after seeing so many young Super League stars light up the Four Nations, Super League XV promises to be a real thriller.

“One of the great things about Rugby League is that it’s so personable. Very few sports would be able to get so many leading players to meet and greet fans so close to the start of a new season.

“If you want to meet one of your heroes or get your picture with one of Rugby League’ stunning pieces of silverware then this is the event to be at.”

Every UK-based Engage Super League club will be represented at the event by their most knowledgeable supporter for a special quiz hosted by Chapman to find Engage Super League’s ‘Super Fan.’

The winner will receive a pair of tickets to the three biggest club events in the Rugby League calendar – Magic Weekend, the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final and the Engage Super League Grand Final.

Following the event, players will be available for 45 minutes to sign autographs and have pictures taken with supporters.

The Engage Super League Fans’ Day takes place on Saturday January 23 when the on-stage action will kick off at 2.00pm and will continue until 3.45pm. Free parking is available at The Trafford Centre.
 
For updates in the build-up to the event visit www.engagesuperleague.co.uk
 
The Engage Super League season kicks off on Friday January 29 with a match between defending champions Leeds Rhinos and Crusaders at the competition’s newest venue, the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.