Fox Sports commit to NRL's NYC competition 30/1/2009

Skyhunter

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24696863-23214,00.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.