Super League Show Returns To The Beeb

The Super League Show returns to the BBC for a new season of programmes from this Sunday January 31, promising a rich mix of action, analysis and features – plus a variety of ways to watch.

The programme will be broadcast firstly on BBC One in the north of England on Sunday at 1pm.  Times will vary during the season, depending on other sporting events.  It is then repeated on BBC TWO across the UK later on Sunday night at 4.45am.  It is also available on the BBC iplayer for the next seven days, as well as online at www.bbc.co.uk/rugbyleague
The series, broadcast each week from BBC Leeds, will be presented by Harry Gration.  He will be joined by regular studio pundit Robbie Paul, currently playing for Leigh Centurions, and other top names from the sport.  Commentator Dave Woods and reporter Tanya Arnold will help reflect the passion and excitement of Super League rugby as the season progresses.

Richard Coventry of Televideo, who produce The Super League Show for the BBC, said: “The programme will continue to bring viewers all the best action as well as in-depth features from the Rugby League world.  Once again in addition to match highlights we will bring the programme closer to the viewers, with live outside broadcasts from Rugby League venues. We shall also report the latest news about the game on and off the field”.

Charles Runcie, executive producer for the BBC, added: “It’s great to have the Super League Show back, and with it available via the red button and the BBC iplayer you can catch up with it anytime.  With live Challenge Cup action on TV, our in depth coverage on BBC Local Radio plus the latest rugby league news at www.bbc.co.uk/rugbyleague we’ve plenty for rugby league fans on the BBC this season”.

Select Your Friday Playlist

Every week during the 2010 Engage Super League season, Salford City Reds are giving you the chance to become part of the pre-match entertainment by choosing your musical Friday Playlist.

For every home game we’ll be asking fans to pick three songs they’d like to hear in the build-up to the big kick off. We’ll be theming your choices every week to give you a clue of what to aim for and our panel will announce the winner on the Wednesday before each home game.

The winning playlist will then be aired both before the kick-off and at half-time.

All you need to do to enter is become a Fan on our Facebook page and visit the Discussion board via the tabs at the top and post your three songs, we’ll do the rest.

The Playlist for the Crusaders game on Friday 12 February at The Willows is now open.

Fitzpatrick Issues Apology To Vikings

Salford City Reds and Ireland full-back Karl Fitzpatrick has issued a public apology to the Widnes club and its supporters for his behavior in the wake of his red card in yesterday’s friendly against the Vikings.

Fitzpatrick was on the end of a high tackle from Tommy Coyle and reacted by hitting out, resulting in referee James Child dismissing both players from the game.

A clearly upset Fitzpatrick was then involved in an incident where he threw his sports drink into a section of excitable Widnes supporters before heading to the dressing room.

However, when approached by Reds’ staff about his behavior it became apparent that Karl had no recollection of hitting anybody or throwing anything at supporters, and was suffering from a severe blow to the head.

While certainly not looking to excuse his behavior Karl hopes that his previously exemplary record will point to the fact that he is not that kind of person, and the player himself is devastated at the turn of Sunday’s events.

He has offered to personally meet and apologise to any Vikings supporters that were affected by his actions.

Director of Football Steve Simms said: “Karl was shook up by our version of events and he has no recollection of any of it. The blow to the head has knocked the sense out of him and I guess we should be thankful he is not more seriously injured.

However, none of this condones what happened out there, for which Karl and the Club are deeply apologetic. The incident took the shine off a good performance from us and I hope the Widnes fans can accept Fitzy’s apology and understand that he is certainly not a malicious player,  and is usually exemplary in the way he conducts himself.”

Fitzpatrick will appear before the RFL’s Disciplinary Panel next Wednesday

Mirror Super League Special This Tuesday

The Daily Mirror is to publish an eight page Engage Super League special this Tuesday (26 January) to mark the launch of the competition which kicks off on Friday January 29 when Crusaders host champions Leeds Rhinos.

The eight page supplement, which will be printed nationwide, will be packed with exclusive interviews with key players, coaches and also feature a club-by-club guide.

Craig Spence, RFL Communications Manager, said: “It’s fantastic news that The Mirror is publishing another supplement dedicated to Engage Super League.

“This year’s competition is expected to be the most competitive yet with many coaches predicting it will be tougher than ever before.

“Last year the Daily Mirror printed two brilliant supplements which really impressed fans so hopefully they’ll repeat that success on Tuesday.

“They are fully behind the sport and are seeing the benefits of more Rugby League coverage.  I’d encourage all Rugby League fans to buy a copy of The Mirror this Tuesday to find out the most in-depth information about the start of the new season.”

Conor Hanna, Deputy Editor of The Mirror said: “This season’s Super League promises to be a classic and fans will be able to follow it week by week in the Daily Mirror.

“We’re fully committed to delivering top class Rugby League coverage through the year.”

Part of the supplement will be a competition to win 50 pairs of tickets to the Engage Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford which takes place on Saturday October 2.

For the last three years the Leeds Rhinos have run out winners at the Theatre of Dreams, however this year the 13 other Engage Super League will all be gunning to claim the Rhinos’ title.

For more information, please visit www.engagesuperleague.co.uk

Reds Complete Pre-Season In Rampant Fashion

Salford City Reds cruised past Widnes Vikings 0-36 in a penalty-strewn final pre-season warm-up game of 2010. Full-Back Karl Fitzpatrick was both hero and villain, scoring two tries and then being sent-off for punching in a tumultuous first 29 minutes. However, the Reds weren’t at a disadvantage as the Vikings Tommy Coyle also saw red for the initial high-tackle on the Irish full-back, leaving it an even affair in which the Salford side were clearly too strong for their Championship hosts.

Three former Vikings did the majority of the damage with Adam Sidlow and Ste Tyrer joining Fitzpatrick in crossing the line during the rout, but in truth the stop-start affair – Referee James Child blew for 27 penalties throughout – rarely seemed to get going.

Match Facts

Widnes Vikings 0-36 Salford City Reds

Salford City Reds:
Tries: Fitzpatrick (2), Tyrer (2), Gibson, Sidlow, Adamson & Broughton
Goals: Ratchford (2)
Sent-Off: Fitzpatrick (29)

McRae: Time For Us To Step Up

Salford City Reds Head Coach Shaun McRae takes his new-look side to Widnes Vikings on Sunday for their final pre-season friendly, pleased with the progress made so far.

The Reds cruised past Swinton Lions 50-12 at The Willows last weekend, but know that Sunday’s opponents will offer a little more resistance as Salford head towards their opening engage Super League fixture at Hull KR on 7 February.

It’s going to be difficult to pick a 17 because at the moment we realistically have about 22 guys who are all capable of a spot. It’s a nice problem to have and we’ll have a better idea after Sunday

“The Swinton victory was a good start to our season,” said McRae, “we did everything I thought we would for this stage of our preparation. It was a good hit-out for both sides and it sets our level nicely for this weekend. I didn’t expect the finished article and we know where we have to get to.”

McRae had the luxury of selection from most of his squad, and the two players that were missing – Mark Henry and Luke Adamson will feature this weekend. Henry had a sore knee and Adamson was recovering from a cortisone injection, but both will play against the Vikings.

McRae continued: “It’s going to be difficult to pick a 17 because at the moment we realistically have about 22 guys who are all capable of a spot. It’s a nice problem to have and we’ll have a better idea after Sunday.”

“We want to move up another rung on the ladder. Widnes are one of the more fancied sides in the Championship. They are bigger and quicker with a better skill level. It will be ideal preparation for us.”

Tickets for the game are available from the Reds’ Club Shop until 2pm Friday priced at £12 Adults and £6 Concessions or you can pay on the day.

Meet All The Reds This Saturday

This Saturday sees a great opportunity for all Reds fans to come along to the Trafford Centre and meet the entire squad ahead of the engage Super League Fans’ Day main event but prior to this the whole Salford City Reds squad will be appearing to meet the Reds fans and sign autographs at 1pm in the Fan Village located in Central Peel Square on the Ground Floor of the Trafford Centre.

The Salford duo of Alker and Parker will take a starring role amongst a host of Rugby League superstars from all 14 Super League clubs at The Trafford Centre, Manchester this Saturday (January 23) for the second Engage Super League Fans’ Day.

The main event, which kicks off at 2pm on the main stage of the Centre’s Orient refreshment area, will feature live music, player interviews and the Engage Super League ‘Super Fan’ competition which aims to find Rugby League’s most knowledgeable fan.

Salford City Reds are asking fans to turn up in numbers and club colours, and there will be spot prizes for plenty of lucky supporters* if they are wearing their Salford City Reds shirts with pride when they visit the Fan Village! Prizes will include DVDs, Mascot Toys and a grand ‘money can’t buy’ prize of a Four Nations England shirt signed by the entire England squad!

New supporters to Super League who feel they would like to give Rugby League a try will have the opportunity to register their interest with the Salford City Reds and be our guest for their first game**, and there will also be the chance for existing supporters to recommend a friend or family member to the club. Everyone who registers themselves or somebody else will be entered into the draw for the Grand Prize of the signed England shirt!

The main event is hosted by BBC Radio One presenter Mark Chapman, who is better known to listeners of the Scott Mills show as ‘Chappers’ and the event will give supporters an opportunity to have their picture taken with both the Engage Super League trophy and Carnegie Challenge Cup and meet a number of club mascots (including a first chance to meet the newly transformed Ignito!)

The Engage Super League Fans’ Day takes place on Saturday January 23 when the on-stage action will kick off at 2.00pm and will continue until 4.00pm. Free parking is available at The Trafford Centre.

*winners chosen randomly throughout the day
** Terms & Conditions apply. New supporters must not have been previously registered on the Reds database to qualify for promotional offers.

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Alker and Parker head to Trafford Centre Fans’ Day

The Salford City Reds duo of Malcolm Alker and Rob Parker will be amongst a host of superstars at The Trafford Centre, Manchester this Saturday (January 23) for the second Engage Super League Fans’ Day.

The event, which kicks off a 2pm on the main stage of the Centre’s Orient refreshment area, will feature live music, player interviews and the Engage Super League ‘Super Fan’ competition which aims to find Rugby League’s most knowledgeable fan.

Hosted by BBC Radio One presenter Mark Chapman, who is better known to listeners of the Scott Mills show as ‘Chappers’, the event will give supporters an opportunity to have their picture taken with both the Engage Super League trophy and Carnegie Challenge Cup and meet a number of club mascots..

Chapman will be questioning both Alker and Parker about Salford’s prospects ahead of Engage Super League XV which kicks off on Friday January 29 when Crusaders host Leeds Rhinos at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground.

Phil Williams, the RFL’s Marketing Manager, said: “Last year’s event at The Trafford Centre was a great success and was attended by thousands of people.

“This Saturday we’ve got more players, more trophies and more opportunities for supporters to meet their heroes and win tickets to October’s Grand Final at Old Trafford.

“It promises to be a great day out for all the family.”

Mark Chapman said: “One of the great things about Rugby League is that it’s so personable. Very few sports would be able to get so many leading players to meet and greet fans so close to the start of a new season.

“If you want to meet one of your heroes or get your picture with one of Rugby League’ stunning pieces of silverware then this is the event to be at.”

Following the event, all players will be available for 45 minutes to sign autographs and have pictures taken with supporters.

In addition a number of clubs, including Salford, will be having promotional stands within The Trafford Centre where by supporters can learn more about ticket offers and buy merchandise.  Located on Central Peel Square these stands, which include one dedicated to May’s Magic Weekend in Edinburgh, will be open from 10am.

The Engage Super League Fans’ Day takes place on Saturday January 23 when the on-stage action will kick off at 2.00pm and will continue until 4.00pm. Free parking is available at The Trafford Centre.

For updates in the build-up to the event visit www.engagesuperleague.co.uk

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