Maori Television To Air UK Super League

MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 30 January 2012

Maori Television To Air UK Super League

Maori Television is the new exclusive broadcaster of the UK Super League in New Zealand.

The broadcaster has signed a deal to screen live and delayed coverage of the Stobart Super League competition from February through to September.

Maori Television will screen two games from each round, one every Saturday from 6.00pm – 7.30pm and the second every Monday from 9.30pm – 11.00pm.

Maori Television’s sister channel, the 100 per cent Maori language channel, ‘Te Reo’, will screen one game each week.

The season kicks off on Maori Television on 4 February at 6.00pm, with the Widnes Vikings making their long-awaited return to the competition to face the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

As part of this UK rugby league package, Maori Television will also screen live the World Club Challenge match between Super League champions Leeds Rhinos and NRL Grand Final winners Manly Sea Eagles on 18 February at 8.00am.

The Carnegie Challenge Cup Final and the Stobart Super League Final will also screen live later in the season.

Maori Television General Manager of Programming Haunui Royal says it is fantastic to be able to offer viewers another top-level international sporting competition so soon after the Rugby World Cup.

“The UK Super League has a great reputation for being attack oriented so it will make for exciting viewing.

“It has huge audiences in the UK so we are thrilled that the RFL has recognised the value Maori Television can provide when it comes to sports broadcasting in New Zealand,” Mr Royal said.

“Free-to-air sport means sport for everyone and we are looking forward to building on that in 2012 and the years ahead.”

Maori Television is also the new free-to-air home of basketball in New Zealand, having secured rights to air the 2011-2012 NBA season, which started in December.

ENDS