History in the making for Super League on Channel 4

History will be made today when Super League is shown on terrestrial television for the first time when Leeds take on Warrington live on Channel 4.

Australian comedian and presenter Adam Hills will present the Super League coverage on Channel 4 in 2022. Hills will be joined by Helen Skelton throughout the season.

They will broadcast 10 games each season in an initial two-year partnership. Channel 4’s live coverage begins on Saturday, February 12 when Leeds host Warrington at Headingley (12:30pm).

On the new Channel 4 deal, Leeds coach Richard Agar said: “We are really excited. It is brilliant news that our game is going to be on terrestrial television.

“It is brilliant for our other broadcast partners Sky. The numbers that get to watch rugby league in this opening round is a good boost for the sport. It is a brilliant opportunity and we are really excited to be on there.

“Can we put a show on? Hopefully both teams can put a show on and that it kicks the season off with a bang to as many people as possible. I’m really looking forward to round one and seeing how it comes across to the general public.”

Warrington captain Jack Hughes won’t play in their Super League opener due to injury. But he is excited about the club being on free-to-air TV in the first round.

He said: “Hopefully it is going to be the boost that we’ve been crying out for, for a couple of years now.

“We always talk about rugby league needing a boost and saying it needs this and that, so hopefully the introduction of Channel 4 can help put bums on seats and be the financial boost that the game needs.”

Great video this, well done @C4Sport 👏🏼 looking forward to being back at Headingley today 🦏 #RugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/t1W5E2vDbE

— Richard Cattley (@RichardCattley) February 12, 2022

England international Mikolaj Oledzki has been named in the Leeds squad for the game, and he believes Channel 4 can open the game up to new audiences.

He said: “It is a breath of fresh air for the fans, the lads that play and for the sport.

“We’ve got an amazing product which is great to watch. It is a shame that not everyone gets to watch at home but Channel 4 now offers everyone the opportunity to see rugby league for what it is and how good of a sport it is.

“Hopefully it can start things up and increase our audience. Hopefully we can get more fans.

“There is a lot of positives and benefits to this. We can all say that we are really grateful that Channel 4 are getting involved with us, broadcasting our games and getting it out there for everyone to watch.

“Friday nights at Headingley are special but I reckon Saturday will be up there.”

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