NBC secures broadcast rights to team kumul matches and close to securing RLWC 2013 broadcast rights

Date; 13/8/13

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has announced today the Broadcast rights to the upcoming Team Kumul matches in PNG have been awarded to the National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea (NBC).

The deal will see NBC secure EXCLUSIVE rights to broadcast the matches on both Television and radio for fans across the nation said PNGRFL Interim CEO Brad Tassell:

“We are very happy with the deal and thank NBC Radio & Television for their support of the international program. This is a sign that the Team Kumul program implemented by the PNGRFL has significantly lifted the profile of the National Body and the value of the International program to broadcasters and potential sponsors. We are now looking for a naming rights sponsor for both matches and hope to secure this soon. The new board and management have been extremely proactive and a lot has been achieved already in a short space of time. We have been saying all along that this is a new PNGRFL, with a very bright future and we are dedicated to ensuring the game is managed and delivered professionally for fans across the country.”

Tassell also added;

“We also understand that NBC are close to securing the rights to broadcast the upcoming Rugby league World Cup so this is the perfect start and lead in to that campaign for NBC. We would encourage advertisers to jump on board now with NBC and secure their package.”

The matches to be telecast by NBC include:

Team Kumul Red vs. Team Kumul Gold – Sunday 22nd September @ Lloyd Robson Oval, POM – The match will feature oversees and locally based players in a selection trial for the PM13 match and the final World Cup Squad.

Team Kumul vs. Australian Kangaroos PM13 Match – Sunday 29th September @ Kalabond Field, Kokopo – The match will feature the strongest possible line ups from both nations ahead of the final announcement of the Team Kumul World Cup Squad.

NBC CEO & Managing Director Memafu Kapera said the rights were a coup for the network:

“This is an exciting time for Rugby League in PNG and we want to be at the forefront of this revolution in the game. We have invested heavily in infrastructure to improve our broadcast and believe under the new board and management of the PNGRFL we have the beginnings of a fantastic ongoing partnership. This is an important year being a World Cup year for Team Kumul and we are looking forward to delivering a quality broadcast to the nation for fans who cannot attend either of the in country matches.”