Credit: Getty Images/iStockphotoKRIS Radlinski hopes rugby league pushing its boundaries can attract new money into the sport.
Then more clubs can go to more places in future.
WIgan CEO Kris Radlinski hopes taking matches to places like Paris can attract new money into rugby league. Credit: SWPIX.COM
Wigan head to Paris tomorrow to take on Catalans Dragons as the French side celebrates its 20th anniversary.
They have already played at Barcelona’s Nou Camp, spearheaded the push to Las Vegas and even played a league match in Wollongong, Australia.
Next year, they will face Warrington at Dublin’s RDS Arena, with Hull FC and Wakefield making it a two-day event.
And playing legend, now chief executive, Radlinski hopes some of the new eyes they are attracting to the sport can result in investment, and more matches in more areas.
He said: “It all comes down to economics, doesn’t it? More clubs would do it if it all stacked up at the other side.
“With any potential new investment coming into the sport, one of the things we should all be looking at is making us grow outside of the areas.
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“Hopefully there will be a plan put in place for that kind of thing as well because a lot of it is going to come down to that.
“My remit for my owner is to grow the brand, to push it outside of rugby league areas, to create new audiences. That’s what we’re all trying to do.
“When you look at the cities and places we’ve visited over the last few years, we’ve been very, very lucky.
“Hopefully, it will encourage more teams. It’s great to see Bradford and Leigh going out to Vegas.
Catalans and Wigan have already played at Barcelona’s iconic Nou Camp in 2019. Credit: CATALANS DRAGONS
“If you’d have told me that a few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought it would happen, but I love that they’ve embraced it.
“To me, that’s success. Hopefully, we can continue to do stuff like that.
“Paris will be brilliant. The stadium is fantastic and the fans are brought into the spirit of sport tourism and travelling.
“100 per cent, it’s an honour to be invited. Part of my job is to try and build stronger relationships with clubs.
“Going to Barcelona was huge for the sport. We had a record crowd at the time and if we can do something similar and be part of something, that’s the power of our brand. In history, we’ve always tried to push the boundaries a little bit.”
Catalans and Wigan will play at the Stade Jean Bouin, which stands next to Paris St Germain’s Parc des Princes. Credit: AFP
A large crowd is expected at Stade Jean Bouin, which stands next to Paris St Germain’s Parc des Princes and down the road from Roland Garros.
But while the Paris match captures the imagination, questions remain over whether the Challenge Cup final should stay at Wembley.
Radlinski is firmly in the camp of keeping it, adding: “It’s still a bucket list job for every player, they still want to play there.
“We think it’s the greatest sport in the world. I’d love us to work hard as a sport, not just on the finalists, to really promote attendance.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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