Rugby league history will be made in Birmingham on Sunday when the Midlands Hurricanes play their first game at the city’s Alexander Stadium, site of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and The Sportsman will be there to bring you exclusive, live coverage.
The Hurricanes, renamed in 2022 after 24 years as the Coventry Bears, played their home games last year at Portway Stadium. But they kick off their Betfred League 1 campaign against Cornwall RLFC this weekend in the wonderful surroundings of the recently reconfigured 18,000 capacity Alexander Stadium in Birmingham’s regenerated Perry Barr district.
The Midlands finished eighth in the 11-team third tier last season, picking up six wins to finish five points shy of the play-off places. And they’ll be hoping the new buzz surrounding the team thanks to their relocation helps boost their chances of a more concerted top-six run in the 2023 season.
Meanwhile, Cornwall will be looking to build on a phenomenally successful debut campaign in 2022 off the pitch by producing a greater threat on the pitch each week. Having avoided the wooden spoon last season, they will aim to do something similar this time around, even in the West Wales Raiders’ absence from the professional ranks. And given the wonderful local reception to the arrival of rugby League 1 in the area, expect huge crowds at Penryn once again in 2023.
The match kicks off at 3pm on Sunday, with coverage starting on The Sportsman at 2:45 and simulcast available on The Sportsman Rugby League on YouTube.
But that’s far from the end of our February coverage, with the Midlands Hurricanes back in the spotlight as we continue on the Road to Wembley in the Betfred Challenge Cup on Sunday 26 February. Having showcased a first round Wigan derby as Ince Rose Bridge edged past Wigan St Patricks in a typically spirited affair, The Sportsman follows the Hurricanes into Betfred Super League territory as Hull Kingston Rovers’ Sewell Group Craven Park play host. from their second round tie against Hull Dockers.
Dockers had an impressive home win over Rhondda Outlaws in the first round, and their squad includes a number of players with professional experience, including at Hull KR, so the Hurricanes will expect a warm reception, on and off the pitch. The second round matchup begins at 2:45 p.m., with coverage beginning on The Sportsman at 2:30 p.m.
These games come to you as part of The Sportsman package of at least 20 live and exclusive matches in 2023 in the Betfred Challenge Cup, League 1, Women’s Super League and wheelchair rugby league.