Amid a disrupted year, Nine has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s sport by broadcasting the entire 2020 NRLW competition starting on October 3.

It follows Nine’s coverage of the Women’s T20 World Cup, the surging Suncorp Super Netball season, and the women in action at the Australian Open tournament.

For the first time since its inception, EVERY game in the NRLW Premiership will be broadcast LIVE on Nine nationally, in line with the NRL Finals, beginning Saturday, October 3, at 11.30am.

“Nine’s commitment to elite women’s sport has never been stronger,” said Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport.

“The year started with Sofia Kenin’s win at the Australian Open, followed by a hugely successful Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, and now we have what is arguably the most exciting Suncorp Super Netball competition ever. Everyone at Wide World of Sports is thrilled with the announcement of the upcoming NRLW season and we look forward to delivering all the action across Nine’s platforms.”

It was also announced today that Telstra will be the official naming rights partner for the NRL and NRLW Premierships, aligning both competitions.

The expanded NRLW coverage is a credit to Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, both part of Nine’s rugby league commentary team and former members of the Australian national rugby league side, the Jillaroos, who have worked tirelessly to promote the women’s game.

“Our game has progressed at an incredible pace since the Jillaroos’ maiden World Cup victory in 2013,” Sims said.

“Female participation has enjoyed double-figure growth year-on-year, and the Telstra NRLW competition has arrived years ahead of schedule. It’s exciting to see the game move from strength to strength and watch young girls aspire to play like their idols.”

Ferguson was similarly confident in the NRLW’s bright future.

“These announcements are important to the women who have played and continue to play the game at all levels, to the fans in the stands, to the viewers in their homes and to the wider rugby league community,” she said.

“There are some world-class athletes in our game, and the speed, impact and action continues to improve every season. The world deserves to see these women playing great rugby league.”

For further information please contact:
Nine Publicity – 03 9420 3466

Thursday, September 24, 2020