Pay-per-view matches the best solution to save rugby league, says agent

Drew Darbyshire 09 Apr 2020 10:56 AM

Super League should explore the possibility of using pay-per-view to broadcast matches, according to leading player agent Craig Harrison.

The rugby league season has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic that has swept the nation.

Harrison of ShowMeTheMoneyUK reckons Super League and the Rugby Football League should utilise the pay-per-view model that has been used in boxing and UFC for many years.

He tweeted: “We have to take the game to the fans and at the moment that’s into households – simple.

“The safety of the staff, players and fans is paramount so the quicker we realise we’re not going to have 15,000+ fans in a stadium this year – pay-per-view is the way forward to save the game.

We have to take the game to the fans and at the moment that’s into households simple , the safety of staff and players and fans paramount so the quicker we realise we’re not going to have 15k plus fans in a stadium this yr #payperview the way foreward to save the game 👊#RL

— ShowMeTheMoneyUK (@SMTMUK) April 8, 2020

“Again, please take this in rugby league fans. If clubs come off the furlough agreement to play games, they have no income so they will not survive the season.

“We must think of ways to create income streams and pay-per-view is the best solution to save the game.”

Again please take this in rugby league fans if clubs come of furlough agreement to play games they have no income so they will not survive the season we must think of ways to create income streams @SkySportsRL @TheRFL Pay per view is the best solution to save the game 👊

— ShowMeTheMoneyUK (@SMTMUK) April 8, 2020

Hull KR and Scotland half-back Ryan Brierley agrees with his agent in believing pay-per-view matches are the way forward.

He said: “It’s the only thing that will save the game, otherwise we’re all screwed.

“We need to help our clubs all we can because crowds are not going to flock to games once lockdown is over.

“Everyone, understandably, will be apprehensive and nervous about congregating as a crowd.”

I agree, it’s only thing that will save the game, otherwise we’re all screwed, we need to help our clubs all we can because crowds are not gonna flock to games once lockdown is over. Everyone, understandably will be apprehensive and nervous about congregating as a crowd. PPV 🙌

— Ryan Brierley (@RyanBrierley) April 8, 2020

The NRL has confirmed it will resume its season on May 28, but there has been no announcement on the UK competitions yet.

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