Fox Sports launches dedicated 24 hour NRL channel Fox League
IT’S not a channel, it’s a rugby league revolution.
That was the view of Matthew Johns at the launch of FOX SPORTS’ dedicated 24 hour NRL channel, FOX LEAGUE.
“What was good enough in the past is not nearly enough now — FOX LEAGUE has to be revolutionary as much as it need to be authentic, reflecting the heart and soul of our great game,” Johns told the large gathering at Birchgrove Oval.
“We’ve got a stack of shows this year for different types of fans, at different times during the week — so lets kick off by talking about what shows we have for our die hards.”
On the revolutionary theme, Yvonne Sampson described FOX LEAGUE’S line-up of female presenters and reporters — as well as the first all-female NRL panel show on national television — as a world first.
“Every FOX LEAGUE hosting set will feature a woman, and often more than one, and I’m so proud to be part of that,” Sampson said. “Jess (Yates) and Lara (Pitt) and Megan Barnard and Hannah, they deserve to be there … and, forget me, but I doubt there’s a football coverage anywhere in the world where women a better represented, and rightly so.”
She continued: “I have some good news for you, something that trust me only FOX SPORTS could do. As we touched on earlier, every day on FOX LEAGUE will feature women in meaningful roles, but Wednesday nights it all happens at once. LEAGUE LIFE — the first ever all-women rugby league panel show, where I’m joined by Jess Yates, Lara Pitt and an absolute star in the making, Hannah Hollis. You’re going to love Hannah and her strong opinions on everything league.”
“On the screens as you walked in tonight were two photos — the team shots of Souths and Balmain who played their first competition match when the inaugural NSWRL season kicked off here at Birchgrove Oval. Easter Monday, 20th April 1908. Souths went on to win from that first game to winning the first premiership later that year. Many people now calling this oval the ‘spiritual home of rugby league’.
“So we are here at Birchgrove Oval to honour the origins of the game in Australia and to respond to a clear desire from fans to see their game celebrated and enshrined in a place all of its own, that place will be FOX LEAGUE.
“FOX LEAGUE wont just be a dedicated TV channel it will be much more. A destination for fans to live their NRL passion at anytime, any place and on any platform they choose. We are going to make what is already awesome, more awesome!
“And only FOX will bring NRL fans our famous innovations that they love so much.
“First of all we will introduce the new FOX VIRTUAL 10-METRE LINE, so fans at home can understand whether the players are on side or not. Also we will introduce the virtual tackle count and tackle mark, both designed to help with those feisty lounge room and pub debates.
“FOX LAB is back bigger than ever — with our new ‘whiz kid’ who will send even the most fanatical fans into a spin with his highly accurate predictions, giving fans the golden nuggets they so passionately desire.
“Speaking of innovations, Foxtel’s new and improved iQ3 is the best way to watch FOX LEAGUE.
“It’s broadband connected. You can watch a huge select of FOXTEL show On Demand. Thousands of dramas and movies. Fabulous interfaces with posters and recommendations
“But, what I love most is the unique Startover function meaning if you’ve come into the game late, you can simply hit ‘start over’ and watch from the beginning.
“And don’t forget the Foxtel GO App: It’s the best streaming app in the country. All set-top subscribers get this wonderful app.
“It’s free. It isn’t limited to a screen the size of a phone. If your’e out and about take FOX LEAGUE with you and make the most of your subscription.
“FOXTEL PLAY is Foxtel’s streaming service. If you want to subscribe to FOXTEL right now in this room, all you need is a broadband devise and credit card, $39 a month and you are watching in minutes.”
YVONNE SAMPSON & MATTHEW JOHNS, FOX LEAGUE PRESENTERS
YS: “An exciting time for our game, and our new channel, FOX LEAGUE. It’s more than exciting — it’s awesome.”
MJ: “More awesome, Yvonne. Lets begin by talking about the bumper LIVE schedule we’ve got on FOX LEAGUE this year. I’ve always loved Friday nights but I’m going to love them more now with the double-header and FOX LEAGUE’S exclusive six o’clock match.”
YS: “All of the research tells us this timeslot will be a hit, from end of working week hotel gatherings, to the local stadiums and the young fans at home.”
MJ: “Six o’clock — then eight o’clock — the BIG NEW double-header will change Friday nights forever. And when you’re onto a good thing, stick to it — Vonny the only major change to Super Saturday is you’re now the host.
YS: Shirvo’s hosting Friday nights and he’ll host the opening game of Super Saturday’s exclusive triple-header from the ground. Then we get going in the studio. Brandy, Gorden Tallis, Lara Pitt and myself — my mate Hannah Hollis will also drop by from time to time.
“To me Super Saturday has always sat so well exclusive on Fox Sports, now the tradition continues on FOX LEAGUE, and to be honest I feel a bit of pressure with this one.”
MJ: “Toughen up Vonny, you’ll be right. So it’s double-triple-double with the Sunday double-header — Sunday Ticket with Jessica Yates in the host’s chair — how good’s Jess!”
YS: “Every FOX LEAGUE hosting set will feature a woman, and often more than one, and I’m so proud to be part of that … Jess and Lara and Megan Barnard and Hannah, they deserve to be there … and, forget me, but I doubt there’s a football coverage anywhere in the world where women a better represented, and rightly so.”
MJ: “On Sunday Ticket Jess Yates will be joined in the studio by Lara, Braith Anasta and our one of our new recruits, Mick Ennis — fresh from winning the NRL Premiership with the Sharks.”
MJ: “So what’s more awesome than all of that?”
YS: “You’re helping me out here Matty … you and I have been waiting all off season for this — and now it’s just 14 sleeps away.”
MJ: “Strike up the band — Thursday night on FOX LEAGUE is going to be a game changer … and that’s not hype — it’s fact.
YS: “The weekend begins early — Thursday nights we’ll come on with Matty and myself pre-game with our A-team then off to Warren Smith and the game before we hand over to you Matt — as risky as that may be. The Late Show with Matty Johns … sounds dangerous!”
MJ: “We’ve put a lot of work into all of our shows … what was good enough in the past is not nearly enough now — FOX LEAGUE has to be revolutionary as much as it need to be authentic … reflecting the heart and soul of our great game. We’ve got a stack of shows this year for different types of fans, at different times during the week — so lets kick off by talking about what shows we have for our die hards.”
MJ: “NRL 360 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday is not just for the fans, it’s for the fanatics, the coaches and the players and the legends … it’s where you learn what’s really going on. And Tuesdays, On The Couch with Sterlo will be just as informative … Peter Sterling and his old mate Blocker have a new team this year — Parker, Hodges, Ennis — not a bad line-up.”
YS: “FOX LEAGUE” in many ways is about celebrating the future but be assured we are committed to also honouring the past. And our next couple of heritage shows do just that. Tara Rushton and Braith Anasta will bring us 13-to-1 … a countdown of everything from biggest hits and greatest tries to mishaps and misfits. And if you truly love the game you’re going to love League Legends more — our doyen of interviewers, Tim Sheridan goes one-on-one with the people who have made our game great … League Legends.”
MJ: “Sounds good, Vonny. I think my little brother might get a call-up from Sherro … maybe not myself! Anyway, FOX LEAGUE in 2017 is going to dial up the fun in a big way. I’ll be busy with two shows a week …. On the first show The Monday Night with Matty Johns crew will review the week — and the show will be at the more family friendly time of 7:30pm.
“And the second one’s new — The Late Show — Mum and dad, put the kids to bed after Thursday Night footy as we preview the week ahead. I’m glad it’s on late because I’m worried.
YS: “What are you worried about?”
MJ: “Just have a look at ‘em Vonny … have a look at ‘em.”
MJ: “See that bloke with the beard — he now has his own show after the Friday Night double header — ‘The Professor’s second year syndrome’, can you believe that? Please welcome the boys to stage The Professor, joined by the much travelled Brett Finch and the best barman you’ve never heard of, Chris Paige.”
YS: “Right, I have some good news for you, something that trust me only FOX SPORTS could do. As we touched on earlier, every day on FOX LEAGUE will feature women in meaningful roles, but Wednesday nights it all happens at once. LEAGUE LIFE — the first ever all-women rugby league panel show, where I’m joined by Jess Yates, Lara Pitt and an absolute star in the making, Hannah Hollis. You’re going to love Hannah and her strong opinions on everything League.
YS: “But being a Queenslander, I couldn’t wait to tell you about this — our top secret project — and who better to spill the beans than the Australian coach, the biggest Queenslander of all, the one and only Mal Meninga.”
