Carl Woodward leads BBC Radio Merseyside coverage as Hunslet RLFC host Widnes Vikings in Championship clash
Match date:
BBC Radio Merseyside is set to provide live audio coverage of Hunslet RLFC v Widnes Vikings in the English Championship, with the match also available via the BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport Online (Audio). The game is scheduled for a 15:00 UK kick-off at South Leeds Stadium, and the BBC’s live sport page lists the Hunslet-Widnes commentary stream from 14:30. BBC Sport
The broadcast team features Carl Woodward as presenter, with John Lawless leading commentary and James Gordon alongside him as co-commentator. For listeners in Britain and Australia following the Rugby League Championship, this is a straightforward audio-only option rather than a television broadcast, which makes the BBC’s digital and radio platforms the key place to tune in for live coverage of this fixture.
John Lawless is a familiar voice in rugby league commentary, particularly around northern club game coverage, while James Gordon has also built a profile through rugby league media work and match analysis. Carl Woodward, as presenter, brings the studio and programme-side control that typically frames BBC local sport coverage, helping set the scene before kick-off and guiding listeners through the build-up, live action and post-match reaction.
This fixture matters in the context of the Championship table as both clubs continue their league campaigns, and the official club listings confirm the same 3:00 pm start at South Leeds Stadium. Hunslet’s own match information and Widnes Vikings’ official fixture page both identify the same meeting, underlining that this is a centrally scheduled Championship contest rather than a cup tie or rearranged one. Hunslet’s club page also labels it as a Championship match. Widnes Vikings official site
For fans wanting a quick form guide, the fixture has been listed by major sports outlets and live-score services ahead of kick-off, reflecting the strong interest in a traditional northern clubs meeting. Sofascore’s live match page confirms the game as part of the RFL Championship and notes the scheduled start time in UTC, which aligns with the UK afternoon slot. Sky Sports also carries a preview and live match page for the game, though the BBC audio option remains the named broadcast route for this fixture. Sky Sports
The wider significance of the commentary line-up is that BBC Radio Merseyside continues to play an important role in covering rugby league across the region, especially for clubs outside the top-flight spotlight. In practical terms, that means supporters can follow the match through a trusted local radio voice, with BBC Sounds and BBC Sport Online making the coverage easy to access for listeners in the UK and overseas.
Article generated: 21 June 2026, 15:00 GMT