Journalism students at Liverpool John Moores University went behind the scenes as St Helens Rugby League Club took on Leigh Leopards last month.
St Helens were playing their first home match of the season on February 20th, and the club also hosted a group of students.
The BA Sports Journalism and Journalism students took part in the post-match press conference, putting questions to coach Paul Rowley. They also secured a round-table interview with first team star Jake Wingfield.
Third year Sports Journalism student Rayhan Bengougou said: “I really enjoyed the trip and it was a great way to see what the setting was like for an interview with the players and the game itself was a great bit of fun.”
St Helens won the match 20-18 thanks to scores from Daryl Clark, Kyle Feldt and Joe Shorrocks, before the students took their seats in the press room.
Students also took the opportunity to speak to industry professionals, and the St Helens media team, to learn how the press work a match day.
Student Phoebe Ross added: “It was great to experience a professional press conference with guidance from professionals within the industry.”
The trips were organised by senior lecturer, Tom McCooey, a former rugby league journalist.
He said: “We are fortunate to have a close working relationship with St Helens, one of the leading professional rugby league clubs in the country.
“We have attended press days, women’s team media days, matches and press conferences, and the time players and staff give to our students is valuable as they can gain real-world experience while on our courses.”
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