Fox Sports commit to NRL's Toyota Cup Under 20's competition

[El Diablo]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24696863-23210,00.html

Fox Sports commit to NRL's Toyota Cup Under 20's competition

By staff writers
November 24, 2008

THE National Rugby League and Fox Sports have announced a multi million dollar agreement to telecast the Toyota Cup under 20s competition for the next four years (end of 2012).

National Rugby League Chief Executive. Mr David Gallop, opened the game’s Annual Conference with the news that Fox Sports will telecast two matches each week, demonstrating their commitment to every level of the game.

The commitment underlines the success of a tournament which was a major strategic initiative of the NRL in 2008.

As well as launching 52 players into first grade in its first year, the Toyota Cup has ensured a new professional approach to the way players adapt to professional sport and in how they develop off–field careers.

“Fox Sports showed faith in the concept from the outset and they have played an important role in building its value on television,” Mr Gallop said.

“While many of us had considerable hope for what would be achieved, it’s fair to say the Toyota Cup has outstripped even those expectations.

“Today’s announcement reflects our belief that the Toyota Cup has set a new standard in the way we introduce athletes to professional sport.

“Importantly, it will also allow us to return some much needed funding to the clubs in the years ahead.”

Fox Sports will broadcast two live matches from the Toyota Cup each week, with matches scheduled to kick-off Fox Sports’ Super Saturday and Sundays live NRL coverage each week. Fox Sports will also broadcast live coverage of the Toyota Cup Finals series.

Fox Sports CEO David Malone said “The Toyota Cup exceeded everyone’s expectations and has been one of the successes for Rugby League in 2008. To announce that we will extend our successful partnership with the NRL to broadcast the Toyota Cup live and exclusively each week, is a further example of our commitment to this great game."

"The Toyota Cup gives our viewers even more high quality live and exclusive Rugby League each week of the season and has provided a fantastic opportunity for the next crop of NRL stars to be seen on Fox Sports by a national audience every week.”

In 2009 Fox Sports will deliver subscribers up to nine hours of live rugby league coverage each Saturday throughout regular rounds of the NRL.

Fox Sports will also broadcast two LIVE rugby league matches on Sundays, in addition to the successful live and exclusive coverage of Monday Night football.

Fox Sports remains the only place to see every game of NRL each week.

 

[macavity]

did it go to tender?

 

[Godz Illa]

did it go to tender?

Apparently Channel 9 came in with a late bid of one delayed game a fortnight - every second Wednesday at 2.45am. Gallop very very begrudgingly declined.

 

[The Tank]

Will the players get a minor salary rise?

 

[Brutus]

Apparently Channel 9 came in with a late bid of one delayed game a fortnight - every second Wednesday at 2.45am. Gallop very very begrudgingly declined.

He had to get Roy Hardley's opinion first.

 

[rambo1]

This is fantastic news. I really enjoyed watching the Toyota Cup on TV this year. Let's make sure that the NSW Cup gets similar coverage because, let's face it, it's a higher standard and we need to keep focus on those players who are ineligible to play 20's.

I see that a multi-million dollar contract was signed. Perhaps they could throw some of that money towrds the players' study commitments like uni or tech fees. Being involved with study or work is part of the criteria for a 20's contract.

 

[Wicks]

Let's make sure that the NSW Cup gets similar coverage because, let's face it, it's a higher standard and we need to keep focus on those players who are ineligible to play 20's./quote]

:crazy:

The under 20s have been at a higher standard than reserve grade for at least five years and that was with the better under 20s players in the reserve grade competition Now the gap is even greater

 

[rambo1]

So I take it you believe, lets say, Canberra's Toyota Cup team would beat Wentworthville? Is that right?

 

[Wicks]

So I take it you believe, lets say, Canberra's Toyota Cup team would beat Wentworthville? Is that right?

They would As would the Broncos Panthers Dragons and Warriors I would even give Parramatta a good chance at full strength

Still thats no way to compare the standard of a competition Its like with ESL teams beating NRL teams the standard drops off after the first couple of teams and the NSW Cup has very little depth with the player drain overseas Look at the grand final opponents and look at the rest

You cant live in the past NSW Cup is an afterthought in the current climate and it does nothing to overcome that

 

[john26]

It is great news, it is just a pity they aren't showing more than the 2 games. Last season it seemed to be the same teams getting the tv coverage. We saw very little of souths, cowboys and melbourne just to name a few. I also find it ironic that the teams with the most coverage ended up on top of the ladder

 

[Spitty]

It is great news, it is just a pity they aren't showing more than the 2 games. Last season it seemed to be the same teams getting the tv coverage. We saw very little of souths, cowboys and melbourne just to name a few. I also find it ironic that the teams with the most coverage ended up on top of the ladder

Thats not really foxtels fault, they play the NYC games that are played at the ground where they are broadcasting the early Saturday game and there Sunday game. So the NYC game covered is more to do with the FG scheduling.

 

[rambo1]

They would As would the Broncos Panthers Dragons and Warriors I would even give Parramatta a good chance at full strength

Still thats no way to compare the standard of a competition Its like with ESL teams beating NRL teams the standard drops off after the first couple of teams and the NSW Cup has very little depth with the player drain overseas Look at the grand final opponents and look at the rest

You cant live in the past NSW Cup is an afterthought in the current climate and it does nothing to overcome that

:crazy:

 

[Wicks]

:crazy:

Run Run but you cant hide from your obsolescence :lol:

 

[rambo1]

Run Run but you cant hide from your obsolescence :lol:

Strewth..... A St George supporter who is literate.

What next....a St George premiership? Now that's being egregious and contrarious!

 

[Wicks]

Strewth..... A St George supporter who is literate. I bet your Mum helped you with that one?

What next....a St George premiership? Now that's being egregious and contrarious!

And you are :?

Some overcompensating wanna be hero holding onto the past

:lol:

 

[Dogs Of War]

It would be great if channel 9 could do a wrap up of the weekends games before the Sunday match each week. 1 hour highlights package for those that don't have fox.