The NRL’s broadcast and media partners have united in a unique show support for this weekend’s historic trial match between the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels in Bega. That match will start at 4pm local time with TV pre-match coverage from 3.30pm.
The EISS Super Sapphire Trial Tribute match, to celebrate and recognise the region’s bushfire impacted communities, will be broadcast nationally by Fox Sports, Nine, Telstra LivePass and will be free on the NRL App.
It will be also be radio broadcast across 2GB, 4BC, Grandstand on ABC Radio and Crocmedia. Sky Sport will air the game into New Zealand and WatchNRL will stream the game internationally.
More than 100 reporters, commentators and crew will be on the ground as the Bega Recreation Ground is transformed into a state-of-the-art broadcast and media centre to bring the sell-out match to fans across Australia. For those in the area without tickets to the game, the NRL will establish a live site next to Bega Recreation Ground where the match will screened on a giant screen.
Rugby League (NRL) chief executive Todd Greenberg thanked broadcast and media partners and said the opportunity to showcase the event would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of Fox Sports, Nine Network, NEP, Telstra, 2GB, News Corp Australia, ABC Radio, Australian Community Media and Crocmedia.
“Moving this trial match from Sydney to Bega to help the Sapphire Coast region has come with some logistical challenges, and I cannot thank our media partners enough for their efforts to ensure as many people as possible can experience such an important day,” Greenberg said.
“This event shows how much rugby league means to its community and we are proud to be able to give back to a region which endured so much during this year’s bushfire disaster. Our game brings people together and we are so grateful to our media partners for joining us and playing such a significant role in sharing this unique moment in our sport.”
In addition to the broadcast, Fox Sports will also be in the south coast region from Thursday, travelling with players to various school and community visits, and it will host a free Oz Tag competition for locals on Friday at the Bega Showground.
The NRL also thanked corporate partners including EISS Super, Treasury Wine Estates, Coca-Cola, Carlton & United Breweries, Telstra, Diageo and Youi for their support of the event.