London Broncos have announced a partnership with Papua New Guinea’s national broadcaster that will see their home fixtures broadcast live across the nation.
A statement confirmed this evening that their 10 remaining home matches will be televised live on the National Broadcasting Corporation’s (NBC) Channel 1 and selected Pacific Island Markets, in addition to coverage on NBC Radio and digital platforms.
It comes after the club acquired eight Papuan players, including Morea Morea, Gairo Voro, Finley Glare, Epel Kapinias, Alex Max, Robert Mathias, and Jeremiah Simbiken, with Sunday’s clash against Salford at Plough Lane the first to be broadcast.
Broncos co-owner Grant Weschel said: “Papua New Guinea and the Pacific have a deep passion for rugby league, and we are proud to strengthen our connection with fans in the region through this agreement with PNG NBC.
“This is an exciting partnership for the London Broncos, and an important step in growing our international audience.”
The country’s Prime Minister James Marape confirmed last October that it would officially enter the National Rugby League (NRL) for the first time in 2028, with the team PNG Chiefs.
Chosen over Crocs and Pythons, the other two shortlisted names, ‘Chiefs’ bears cultural significance to the people of PNG since the term also applies to a male or female leader.
Kora Nou, managing director of PNG NBC, said: “Rugby league holds a special place in the hearts of people across PNG and the Pacific.
“This agreement gives our viewers direct access to London Broncos home matches and strengthens NBC’s role as the home of rugby league in the region.”
The club’s own statement added the partnership is designed to expand Broncos’ international reach, connecting the club with “millions of rugby league fans across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific”.
Currently leading the Betfred Championship, level on 10 points with Widnes Vikings, Broncos could extend their lead to four points on Sunday in front of a larger audience than ever before.
Featured image credit: Unsplash
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