Could someone please explain to me - in an easy to understand Cat Sat On The Mat format - why,on Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday,

Sheffield Eagles have 2 away fixtures?

Is it possible that the RFL,knowing that these 2 dates usually attract larger attendances,have permitted the Sheffield Eagles to have both fixtures at home in 2016 at the New Don Valley/Macron Stadium in the hope of bigger crowds? No.Thought not.

Even though the elite athletes in a full time environment complain about the lack of recovery time it seems harsh on the part time players,and gives the full time squads a distinct advantage - and an advantage to those clubs/club with 2 home games on the 2 dates.

All's fair in love and rugby league...

Good point.Well made.

I'm sure you are correct.

It may also mean that the stadium is to be used for Eagles home games; but Rovers need it for the Monday.

I shall put my stress to one side and go and check the home fixtures for the soccer clubs at Barnsley and Rotherham,also.




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Only Rotherham FC at home on the Monday - having an away game on the Good Friday.

I think I'll just grumble at the 2 away games and await an announcement on where the home games will be played

The Sheffield Star suggests an announcement will possibly be made later this week, and that they are meeting Owlerton officials today, I assume that's to hand back the keys...

I would dispute this. Easter Monday attendances are usually poor. If I were running a club, I'd cheerfully choose an away game on Easter Monday.

Given that a lot of local derby games are played, attendances on Good Friday are nothing to write home about either.

Quite content to be proved wrong on the matter and there has been conflicting reports,based on Super League
[url=http://www.superleaguefans.com/rugby-league/10/04/2012/easter-crowd-sets-record-rfl-happy-bunnies.htmlHERE 2012[/url

[url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/mar/26/super-league-set-of-sixSee Number 2 - a year later[/url


My main gripe is 2 away games in a tough 4 day turnaround,while other clubs go home and away - and Featherstone have 2 home games;the latter against the Eagles.

Advantage them,I think.

There was silly me thinking Leigh and Bradford were the favourites of the RFL....before I get to Batley and Donny.

Superleague's different - but I don't think the Easter Monday crowds are what they used to be.

I think it's a combination of several factors - paying for two games from one week's pay, not wanting your entire Easter taken up with watching games, whatever. Either way, I don't think the finances justify it and I've no idea why we went back to it.

Still - not my problem. I don't have to fund the financial shortfall.