Stars come out as Rugby League Rocks gets season underway

[josie andrews]

#RLNewEra

An exciting new era for Rugby League was launched in style as the sport’s top stars were joined by showbiz personalities and fans from clubs in every competition at Rugby League Rocks, a spectacular live show that showcased the game at its very best.

Over 1,000 people crowded into the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester to see co-hosts Mark Chapman, Iwan Thomas and Natalie Quirk introduce a fun-filled event that began and ended with performances from top indie band Reverend and the Makers.

Watched on by celebrities including Coronation Street stars Tina O’Brien and Brooke Vincent, Rugby League Rocks fired the imagination of everyone involved ahead of the big kick-off of the First Utility Super League season, which gets underway with Widnes Vikings v Wigan Warriors on Thursday evening.

The biggest stars of the night were the players who took part in a series of fun challenges, most notably England players Ryan Hall and Chris Hill, who went head-to-head with their new wives in a special edition of the popular TV show Mr and Mrs just a few weeks after both couples tied the knot on New Year’s Eve.

Super League General Manager Blake Solly said: “Rugby League Rocks was a fantastic event which gave fans an opportunity to mingle with their heroes in a unique venue and made for a truly extraordinary start to the sport’s new era.

“The sponsors and partners who had been involved in the media launch earlier in the day stayed on for the show and, like everyone else were blown away by the experience.

“Our focus now switches to the opening round of the First Utility Super League season and six mouth-watering matches in what will be the first of many weekends to remember throughout 2105.”

The First Utility Super League Round 1 fixtures are as follows:

Thursday February 5

Widnes Vikings v Wigan Warriors (8.00pm, live on Sky Sports)

Friday February 6

St Helens v Catalans Dragons (8.00pm, live on Sky Sports)

Saturday February 7

Warrington Wolves v Salford Red Devils (3.00pm)

Sunday February 8

Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (3.30pm)

Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC (3.00pm)

Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos (3.00pm)

http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/31 ... -as-rugby?