Two reasons why Super League fixture kick-off time brought forward
Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix
There are two reasons why Sunday’s Super League match between Salford and Catalans will kick-off 45 minutes earlier than planned.
The Red Devils have announced that the game will now take place at 2.15pm, rather than the previously advertised 3pm.
It is one of three scheduled Super League games for Sunday, along with Hull against Huddersfield and Wigan versus Wakefield.
On Sunday, the Government are holding a trial of an emergency alert – which will sound on all mobile phones on 4G and 5G networks across the UK.
The system is designed to give alerts on extreme weather, flooding and fires.
It will sound at 3pm and for up to 10 seconds, even if your phone is on silent.
There is a way that you can opt out of the so-called “Armageddon Alert siren” via your phone settings.
It was considered that kicking off at 3pm in the context wouldn’t be appropriate, given the potential for distraction to players.
🏃♂️ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴅᴏᴜʙʟᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴡᴇᴇᴋ!
🚨 Please note the Men's clash with @DragonsOfficiel on Sunday will now kick-off at 2:15pm, with the Women's Challenge Cup fixture now kicking-off at 12pm!
Click below to join us! 🎟
💪 #TogetherStronger | 🔴👹
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) April 17, 2023
There is also the fact that Manchester United are due to play in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
Their game against Brighton at Wembley kicks off at 4.30pm.
The kick-off time change at Salford means fans will be able to take in the rugby, before watching the FA Cup match.
Salford’s women’s team will take on Featherstone at the AJ Bell Stadium on the same day, with kick-off of that match now at 12pm.
Wigan make kick-off change
Wigan have now also confirmed that their Super League clash against Wakefield will kick-off at 3.05pm.
A club statement said: “The short delay will allow supporters to witness a rather unique moment with potentially more than 10,000 phones in the DW Stadium simultaneously sounding the alarm.
“Sunday’s game will see the Club celebrate St George’s Day with lots of fun for all the family lined up at Robin Park Arena in the fan village, before the Warriors look to extend their five game winning streak on the field at the DW Stadium.”
