An Aussie comedian took over as our Rugby Football League President today and backed Luke Littler to help sell the game. Popular TV presenter Adam Hills revealed one of rugby league's biggest fans is England football hero Stuart Pearce. But he said Littler, 18, could be a secret weapon in promoting the sport. The darts sensation is having the Warrington Wolves stadium named in his honour for a day. Club bosses announced the move in recognition of his world darts victory.
Comedian Hills, presenter of C4's 'The Last Leg', is a Warrington Wolves fan and part of their physical disability rugby league team. He officially started his honorary role as the game's 33rd president today. The first Australian to hold the position, he was given the honour after a special resolution was passed by the Rugby League Council. "I want to support communities as much as possible," he said. "I have had messages from Cornwall, to Goole to Wales. I will get out there with the Presidential chains on and sell hot dogs at half time and mark pitches before the game.
"I grew up in Sydney, where rugby league is the biggest sport in town. I am unashamedly excited about rugby league. I am not afraid to shout about it, that is what I am going to be doing.". He added: "Everything that should be thrown at it. Luke Littler, Stuart Pearce the former footballer who just adores rugby league, the more people who can be brought in the better." Hills’ two-year term runs until December 2026.
He will be supported by two vice presidents, ex-England women international Danika Priim and Swinton Lions chief executive Steve Wild. Hills’ TV presenting roles have included hosting terrestrial coverage of Super League with C4, but he is best known for 'The Last Leg'. For the Super League game against Catalans Dragons on Feb 21, the home of Warrington Wolves will be called the Luke Littler Stadium before reverting back to the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Littler, now 18, has also been asked to lead the team out onto the pitch.
"It's an absolute honour and I can't thank the club enough," said Littler, who lives in Warrington. He is expected to be given the freedom of his hometown by civic chiefs, and will parade his World Championship trophy on the pitch at half-time. Warrington chief executive officer Karl Fitzpatrick said: "Luke is a true Warrington fan, and therefore renaming our stadium in his honour for our home opener is a fitting tribute.".
