Auckland v NZ Maori Residents to be livestreamed free

27/5/2015
AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE
Auckland v NZ Maori Residents to be livestreamed free
For immediate release

The Auckland Rugby League is pleased to announce that this Saturday's clash with the New Zealand Maori Residents will be livestreamed free to air on www.aucklandleague.co.nz.

The livestream from Rotorua's Puketawhero Park will include commentary in a mix of both English and te reo Māori, and be available for viewing anywhere in the world via the internet.

The game and coverage start at 6pm NZT.

Auckland Rugby League CEO John Ackland said it would add to what is already a very exciting clash.

"When we started planning around livestreaming this match it was important to us that we incorporated some te reo Māori commentary into the coverage," Ackland said.

"The livestream will substantially increase the exposure of this game, and it's an exciting initiative for both teams and all rugby league fans in New Zealand."

New Zealand Maori Rugby League chairperson John Devonshire said the organisation was thrilled by the announcement and excited to build relationships with the ARL.

“I must commend the efforts of John Ackland and the team at the ARL," Devonshire said.

"For whanau around the country who can’t make it to Rotorua for the game, to be able to watch the game live is outstanding."

The representative clash is the second major ARL event to be livestreamed this year, following on from the Sportsafe ARL Nines in February.

Starting in June a selected game from each round of Auckland's SAS College Rugby League competition will also be streamed live online.

"Sixty percent of our audience accesses our content via mobile devices, so livestreaming is a perfect fit for us," Ackland added.

"Last year we piloted the idea in our SAS College Rugby League competition, with viewership increasing every week.

"As a result this season's competition rounds of the high school competition will all feature a livestreamed game, which will form part of our new ARL VIP Membership."

It's the first time since 2009 that a full Auckland representative side has played a match, with the side being coached by former Kiwi Richie Blackmore and featuring past internationals Tevita Latu (New Zealand) and captain Roman Hifo (USA).

The Maori Residents are dominated by Warriors NSW Cup players, while 19 of their 21 players named come from ARL clubs.

Click here to view both teams.

ENDS

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