Twitter Talk: Fans react to the possibility of the Hearns getting involved with Rugby League
There are a lot of Rugby League fans who want Eddie and Barry Hearn to get involved with the sport.
In our ‘have your say’ feature last week, we asked fans whether the Hearns are the right people to take Rugby League forward, and we got hundreds of responses on social media and on the site.
And in a recent interview with IFL TV, Eddie Hearn has said that he thinks Matchroom Sport could make a big impact on Rugby League.
He told IFL TV: “People in the Rugby League infrastructure look at us and say we’ve got an unbelievable relationship with Sky – ‘they’ve turned sports around that have been flat’ – could we do that in Rugby League? Yeah, I believe I can do it in all sports but maybe that’s just me being arrogant.
“But I believe our infrastructure, our brains, our ability to sell and promote – if we have the right product – it doesn’t mean we could walk into a sort that’s not – we’re talking Rugby League.
“Rugby League is a great sport. Rugby League has a huge fanbase – it’s just in the wrong hands – that’s all. The world’s changed – the way that you promote the sport has changed completely and anybody that doesn’t embrace the new age is finished.”
Even Featherstone Rovers’ chairman, Mark Campbell, has called for Barry Hearn to be appointed as the RFL’s new CEO.
And you have had your say on Twitter:
I don't know if they the right people however there is no doubt that the game has been appallingly marketed over the last few years and can't believe they could do a worse job.
— William Morecombe (@adoptedgog) January 23, 2018
They’d run a franchise based system of 12/14 clubs. The rest would be left fend for themselves, like the Aussies. I don’t have a problem with this. We’re far to “romantic” about it anyway.
— Sussex RL (@Sussexmerlins) January 23, 2018
Not Sure? I would like to hear their views on this, would it take the same path as Football and Boxing Would they invest in "grass roots" "feeder clubs" or "quick fixies" for "large amounts of cash" from anywhere they deem fit, would they encourage development of the game?
— Mum Christine (@MumChristine1) January 24, 2018
This is something I’ve been banging on about for the last few years.
— chris dyson (@chrisjdyson) January 24, 2018
Yes get them involved.
— crafty (@craftyb0y) January 23, 2018
100% yes ! If they can promote darts they can do anything !
— Andrew Storey (@AsStorey) January 23, 2018
100 percent people out of the north would actually know what it was
— Ben Rogerson (@Ben_Rodge88) January 23, 2018
Matchroom was turned around by a certain boxer with unbelievable arrogance and talent, if the dark destroyer won that battle, the Hearns wouldn't be on the scene? The Hearns? Yes, with some arrogant #rugbyleague talent in the team that understands format and fans and can sell.
— The Crown (@crownbristol) January 23, 2018
I would say most definitely the right people, their record with other sports speaks for itself.
— Paul Zumba King ?? (@paulw1908) January 23, 2018
I would say most definitely the right people, their record with other sports speaks for itself.
— Paul Zumba King ?? (@paulw1908) January 23, 2018
Not sure people know how they would run things, a lot of heartland fans want it kept that way, the Hearns will want to turn it, quite rightly, into an internationally recognised sport !!!
— sarah boyer (@kopwoman) January 23, 2018
Do you think the Hearns should get involved with Rugby League or not? Let us know in the comments below.
