Students from across journalism courses at Liverpool John Moores University descended on Manchester United’s Old Trafford to watch the finale to the men’s rugby league season this month.
Wigan Warriors won their sixth Super League title, beating Catalans Dragons 10-2, with many of the 49 John Moores students in attendance seeing live rugby league for the first time.
Despite the lack of Merseyside representation in the Grand Final – St Helens had won the previous four – students enjoyed the atmosphere while learning the game through an attritional and air-tight contest.
Sports journalism student Holly Crebbin said: “I really loved the trip to the Grand Final. There was such a buzzing atmosphere there, and it was great to watch a live final.
“I am really grateful we had opportunity to go, it was an amazing experience.”
BA Sports Journalism programme leader Dave Randles said: “It was great to see so many students from across our Journalism and Sports Journalism courses enjoying the Grand Final at Old Trafford.
“As an extra-curricular field trip early in the academic year, this was a really good way to welcome current students back while helping our new starters settle into life at LJMU Journalism.”
The visit was organised by lecturer Tom McCooey, a former rugby league journalist.
On tour with @JMUJournalism at the @SuperLeague Grand Final at Old Trafford. It’s looking like @WiganWarriorsRL for the trophy 🏆 🏉🤩 #sportsjournalism #journalism pic.twitter.com/hPB6HCmC5A
— David Randles (@DavidRandles) October 14, 2023