Tri-Nations Rugby League Free On Maori Television
Maori Television has secured free-to-air rights to the Tri-Nations rugby league tournament, making this top level
international series available to all viewers for the first time.
Last year’s historic Kiwis victory in the Tri-Nations series between New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain was one of
New Zealand rugby league’s finest moments. New Zealand’s win marked the first time that Australia had not won an
international test series in 27 years.
This year, television coverage of the Kiwis’ defence of the series mantle will be available to all New Zealand sports
fans.
The tournament commences in October with games in New Zealand and Australia. The final will be played in Australia in
November. Maori Television will screen delayed coverage of all Kiwis’ games both here and in Australia, and of the
final.
Maori Television chief executive Jim Mather acknowledged the channel’s partnership with New Zealand Rugby League in
making this coverage available. While Sky TV had purchased rights to the live coverage, NZRL had actively supported
Maori Television as its free-to-air broadcaster of choice.
NZRL Chairman Selwyn Bennett says: “We are very grateful for the commitment that Maori Television has made to the
development of our game through their investment in the Bartercard Cup and we wanted to recognise this by ensuring
access to our international games as well. We are thrilled to see our partnership with Maori Television grow to
encompass the domestic and international levels of the game as both are vitally important to our future.”
The schedule for Tri-Nations coverage is:
Kiwis v Australia, Ericsson Stadium, Auckland, 9.00pm on October 14 (replayed at 2pm on October 15);
Kiwis v Australia, Telstra Dome, Melbourne, 11.00pm on October 21 (replayed at 2pm on October 22);
Kiwis v Great Britain, Jade Stadium, Christchurch, at 9.00pm on October 28 (replayed at 2pm on October 29);
Kiwis v Great Britain, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, at 9.00pm on November 11 (replayed at 2pm on November 12;
and the Tri-Nations final, Aussie Stadium, Sydney, at 11.00pm on November 25 (replayed at 2pm on November 26).
Maori Television has also secured exclusive rights to broadcast the series between New Zealand Maori and the Cook
Islands in Rarotonga in November. The three games will be replayed on December 3, 10 and 17 at 2.00 pm.
Viewers can call the helpline on 0800 MA TATOU (0800 628 2868) for advice on how to tune into Maori Television.
ENDS