Rugby league eats: The hunt for the best half-time grub

James Gordon
Emma Jones Rugby League Eats

It’s a staple of the match day experience that’s only just returning to normal post-pandemic.

Whether your half-time refreshment of choice is pie, burger or otherwise, clubs are starting to develop their offerings.

For clubs that control the secondary spend at their ground, a better selection and more fans means more money to be made.

Unfortunately, some clubs are still hampered by not having control over it and using that as a reason for not developing a wider offering.

And for Championship clubs, for now at least, the Premier Sports team have started enjoying the delights they have on offer.

MORE: Emma Jones reflects on exciting start to Monday night rugby league coverage

Food and rugby league – what’s not to like?

As mentioned, the Love Rugby League team enjoyed the delights on offer at Featherstone for their game with Leigh.

Their food stalls behind the main stand have a solid offering; and the chicken, chips and curry went down a treat in the press box.

Ross’ Ratings has the potential to become a popular half-time segment.

Emma Jones told Love Rugby League: “It wasn’t my idea! I think it was the idea of somebody who met and realised how much I love food.

“I look forward to my warm pasty at half-time because it’s been so cold.

“Ross goes and gets a pie or a pasty or some chips and curry sauce and we grade it. I’ve been well impressed with how good the food is!

“On Monday at Leigh, I had a cheese and onion pasty and the ratio of cheese and onion filling to pastry was perfect!”

We’ve not seen such a public analysis of the behind the scenes at a club since Angela Powers did the rounds on a regular Sky Sports segment more than a decade ago.

Even pundits Kyle Amor and Kevin Brown were caught getting in on the act on Monday night.

Adding to the match day experience

Super League clubs too have been stepping up their game, with Hull KR’s “Craven Streat” fanzone area gaining rave reviews.

Situated at the south end of Craven Park, it is a food and drink village with a range of stalls.

Live entertainment and DJs are also part of the experience.

Hull KR’s head of marketing, Craig Franklin, explained to the Hull Daily Mail: “My ambition for the area is that we can market the games as full day or full evening events where you’re not just paying for 80 minutes of rugby, you’re paying for a music/food and drink festival as part of your ticket money.

“That makes it a much more attractive proposition for fans and families to come and spend the day with us.

“It’s an investment in an experience that keeps the current support base more engaged and happier.

“But it’s also going to be easier to attract new supporters to the stadium knowing it’s a full day out for their money and not just a game of rugby league.”

A “Rugby League Scran” page has popped up on Twitter too, no doubt inspired by the football equivalent, to keep tabs on developments all around the grounds.

Got any tip offs for some top drawer half-time rugby league grub? Let us know in the comments below.

Championship Craven Streat