Panthers want to put on a show for televised clash with Leigh

Halifax Panthers will feel the brunt of Monday night rugby more than their full-time opponents, according to head coach Simon Grix, writes Seb Sternik.

The Panthers are set to make their Premier Sports bow this Monday when they welcome Leigh Centurions to the Shay.

With bright lights and television cameras set to grace the venue, Halifax are planning to turn the fixture into an event with numerous off-field activities set to take place.

When asked about the challenges of playing on a Monday, Grix said: “Obviously we’re part-time. Leigh are full-time. It doesn’t really matter to them too much, I don’t think.

“For our part-time boys, I doubt many will be missing work on Monday. I doubt many will be missing work on the Tuesday as well, so there’s some stuff we have to factor in.

“Obviously the week leading up, we’ll alter our training schedule so we’re not training too far away to the Monday game. Then our recovery changes as well because they probably get home at 11 o’clock on Monday night, go to work, the full day the next day.”

This is the first season which has seen Premier Sports broadcast Championship games in their weekly Monday night slot.

The extra television coverage of the competition appears to be popular with viewers considering a peak audience of 90,000 watched Featherstone’s clash with Leigh in round two.

Grix is also impressed by the early impact of Premier Sports saying: “From what I’ve seen so far, the production has been good and we want to give a really good account of ourselves on there. Not only on the pitch but off it as well by showing what the Championship clubs can showcase.

“Looking forward to it but we’ve got a bit of work to do before we get there.”