It’s new, it’s here, it’s sport as it should be – welcome to Stobart Super League 2012.
Starting on Friday night, Europe’s top Rugby League clubs will play the first of 27 captivating rounds building towards a gripping play-off series and an epic title-deciding Grand Final at the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, on Saturday October 6.
The format may be familiar but 2012 will see Super League take its reputation for innovation to new levels with a wealth of new features that will enrich the experience and enjoyment of players, supporters and TV viewers alike.
From modern, state-of-the-art facilities which put the comfort of the paying spectator first, and subtle rule changes that allow the players to better express their skill and athleticism, to new clubs, new players and a new venue for the Magic Weekend, Stobart Super League 2012 promises to be a year to remember.
The 2012 Stobart Super League season kicks off on Friday night (February 3) when Widnes host Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in front of the Sky Sports cameras and champions Leeds Rhinos begin their title defence at home to Hull Kingston Rovers. Both matches kick off at 8.00pm.
On Saturday, the Sky Sports cameras move to the City of Salford Stadium where the City Reds face Castleford Tigers (6.00) and the newly-renamed London Broncos take on St Helens at the Twickenham Stoop (3.00).
Sundays sees Hull FC entertain Warrington Wolves (3.00), Wigan Warriors play host to Huddersfield Giants (3.00) and Bradford Bulls play Catalan Dragons at Odsal (3.00).
SO WHAT IS NEW FOR 2012 IN STOBART SUPER LEAGUE?
TV dealThis the first year of a record-breaking five-year broadcast contract with Sky Sports, whose investment in the sport has reached unprecedented levels. Sky Sports will broadcast regular Monday night live action for the first time and show all the tries from each round every Sunday evening.
Title sponsorAfter eight successful years with Engage Mutual, Super League has embraced an innovative and exciting marketing-led approach with new title sponsors Stobart. The deal will see the visibility and profile of the competition scale new heights as a fleet of trailers hits the road this week.
StadiumsSuper League will be enhanced by the presence of Langtree Park, St Helens, and the City of Salford Stadium. Catalan Dragons have also completed the redevelopment of Stade Gilbert Brutus, which comes online fully for the first time in 2012.
New-look BBC Super League ShowThe BBC Super League show returns with a regular Monday slot in a new format and a new presenter in Tanya Arnold alongside Robbie Paul, Brian Noble and Super League players making guest appearances on the couch to review the weekend’s action.
Rule changesA couple of subtle but significant amendments have been introduced which are designed to improve the sport as a spectacle and enhance the enjoyment of spectators, TV viewers and players. The key changes are:
• A player coming into contact with the corner flag in the act of scoring a try will not now be deemed to be in touch.
• Reduction in number of interchanges from 12 to 10 – puts more emphasis on stamina and gives players increased opportunities to apply their skills.
• A player coming into contact with the corner flag in the act of scoring a try will not now be deemed to be in touch.
• Reduction in number of interchanges from 12 to 10 – puts more emphasis on stamina and gives players increased opportunities to apply their skills.
New Super League Club
2012 sees the return to Super League of Widnes Vikings, who successfully applied for a licence from the Co-operative Championship. Widnes have been gearing up for Super League for three years and will enter the competition with big expectations.
2012 sees the return to Super League of Widnes Vikings, who successfully applied for a licence from the Co-operative Championship. Widnes have been gearing up for Super League for three years and will enter the competition with big expectations.
4g pitch
Widnes have become the first professional sports club in the UK to instal a state-of-the-art 4g pitch, the most technologically advanced playing surface in the world. The ‘i-pitch’ has been scientifically shown to be safer than traditional turf and is literally ‘ground-breaking’!
Widnes have become the first professional sports club in the UK to instal a state-of-the-art 4g pitch, the most technologically advanced playing surface in the world. The ‘i-pitch’ has been scientifically shown to be safer than traditional turf and is literally ‘ground-breaking’!
Magic Weekend venueAfter previously been staged in Edinburgh and Cardiff, Magic Weekend will take place at Etihad Stadium, Manchester on May 26 and 27 when all seven Round 15 fixtures will take place at the home of Manchester City FC.
New name in LondonLondon Broncos have reverted to their previous name and have big plans to promote themselves and the sport in the city.
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