What rugby league clubs have been up to during the enforced break
It’s only been one weekend without rugby league, but it already feels like a lifetime.
Here’s what some clubs have been up to in trying to keep their fans engaged online.
Wigan are encouraging fans to send them messages with the #WarriorsatHome hashtag, and are then adding a nice touch of commentary to the videos.
📻"GET IN SON."
We've added a sprinkling of @JoeMills20 commentary to some of your #WarriorsAtHome efforts. 👏
🔊SOUND ON.#WWRL pic.twitter.com/HsHY9y2kL0
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) March 24, 2020
There’s plenty of real life action kicking about from the archives, including this World Club Challenge warm-up match in 2008 between Melbourne Storm and… Halifax.
Fax TV Special: Melbourne Storm (H) 2008 World Club Challenge Warm Up – Full Match
It’s #FaxVsStormThe World Club Challenge / Warm Up Match 2008📺 | Halifax host NRL stars Melbourne Storm at The Shay Stadium
Posted by Halifax Rugby League Club on Monday, 23 March 2020
Many clubs are using their online TV channels as a way to keep driving revenue through this barren period, but Hull KR have made theirs free to view – with fans able to make a donation or choose to pay if they so wish.
To help everyone through this difficult time all new KR TV videos will be on FREEVIEW until further notice!https://t.co/W3q1Po1VJ4
If you can, and want to help the club financially, daily subscriptions are £5 and the annual membership is £49.99. #StayAtHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/KsITrWkBIH
— Hull Kingston Rovers (@hullkrofficial) March 23, 2020
Wordsearch, anyone?
Kids, We are all stuck indoors and it can get a little boring so we’ve created this word search of all the clubs in our division for you to complete. #Leythers pic.twitter.com/hAZ9SjyEtt
— Leigh Centurions (@LeighCenturions) March 23, 2020
Too easy? Try this one from London Broncos.
Try and find the 20 current and former @LondonBroncosRL names in our Broncos Word Search.#LondonCalling pic.twitter.com/RDeCdx6gEw
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) March 23, 2020
Doing their bit for public health are Wakefield, who have released their keep fit with Daddy Cool and Trin videos to keep people moving during the lockdown.
Kids loving doing the Keep Fit With Trin and Daddy Cool @WTrinityRL #youtubechannel pic.twitter.com/zaV6OSghtu
— Daz Pitchforth (@DPitchforth) March 23, 2020
Widnes are also doing their bit for local health, by offering free, remote services.
We have launched a new initiative aimed at providing free Physical & Mental Health activities to our local community.
These activities will help keep you fit and healthy, while ensuring you #StayAtHome & stay safe.
Get involved. ⬇️#AClubLikeNoOther🖤https://t.co/6JXbxEbc8P
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) March 23, 2020
There’s been plenty of virtual rugby league action, with Swinton taking on Oldham on Rugby League Live 4, streamed live on the Lions’ social media pages, and it even got the match report treatment on the club website.
Warrington pair Ben Murdoch-Masila and Leilani Latu swapped tackle bags for controllers as they took the Wolves on a virtual match-up against Hull KR.
Rugby league 101? Huddersfield are using the break to educate those poor souls who know little or nothing about the greatest game.
This is Will Liang. Will doesn't know anything about Rugby League, so we're going to change him for the better. #RugbyLeague101, a new project where we teach the uninitiated the ins and outs of the greatest game ⬇️ https://t.co/ty0VT9X1Fr
— Huddersfield Giants (@Giantsrl) March 23, 2020
Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield ran a solo marathon to raise funds for former team-mate Rob Burrow, find out how you can donate below too.
Kevin Sinfield completed his solo marathon around Saddleworth this morning in a personal best time. The run was in support of great friend @rob7burrow and raised awareness and funds for @mndassoc & @RugbyLeeds
➡️ If you feel you can sponsor Kevin, go here https://t.co/5O51ysGoYK pic.twitter.com/GsFb4jGE6B— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) March 22, 2020
In what was both the best and the worst match of all time, York beat Featherstone (or Featherstone beat York, depending on who you believe) in a virtual match, that featured virtual tickets, virtual pies and virtual pints – plus a winning try by the Pit Pony (I believe Featherstone, sorry York).
DROP GOAL! KNIGHTS WIN!!!
The Fev defence decide that now would be a good time to socially distance themselves, and up steps @TimSpearsYCK to break his old teams hearts!
➡️ https://t.co/AlRoDzfufu #WeAreYork⚔️ pic.twitter.com/yS4s3FXn0M
— York City Knights⚔️ (@YorkKnightsRLFC) March 22, 2020
To keep a closer eye on what the clubs are doing on Twitter, follow this list of rugby league clubs.