The Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars action is officially back for its seventh year and last night, the 2017 match kicked off for the first time in Newcastle.
For it's second consecutive year, the All Stars women’s side will be competing, with NITV having the exclusive live broadcast of the game.
Women's sports has been making significant headlines in recent times; with female athletes dominating the Olympics last year (a honourable mention going to our Rugby 7s taking home gold), Serena Williams winning her seventh Australian Open and now being just shy of one victory of claiming the most Grand Slams in history, and the first season AFL Women's League having kicked off last weekend.
NITV’s Hannah Hollis will be commentating and conducting interviews from the sidelines, with Indigenous All-Stars player, Tanisha Stanton and Brad Cooke will also commentating the match.
Hollis says that while a women's competition in the NRL is still in the pipeline, it's events like the All Stars that showcase the talents of our female players - not only to those at the game, but everyone watching at home.
"For so long, if you weren't able to get to the stadium you'd miss out on watching these women play. With NITV broadcasting the game live and free, it means a whole new audience can tune in and be captivated by what they see.
I've had the girls tell me that seeing the game played on TV means that people are finally starting to realise women can play just as good footy as the men, and that we are worth watching.
"I've had the girls tell me that seeing the game played on TV means that people are finally starting to realise women can play just as good footy as the men, and that we are worth watching."
This year marks a World Cup event, so tonight's performance from the players could earn them a green and gold jersey for the Jillaroos national team. Jillaroos coach, Brad Donald has been in both training camps with the women's sides this week.
Source: NITV
Executive Producer for Sport on NITV, Mark Ella spoke of the importance of the All Stars match and its contributions to Indigenous achievement.
“The All Stars match is a great opportunity for Indigenous rugby league players, who are significant to the NRL, to play the game they love with their friends.”
“Newcastle teams, such as the Newcastle All Blacks, the Emus and the Yowies all lead the way each year at the annual Koori Knockout, so the city of Newcastle hosting the All Stars match plays a crucial role in supporting Indigenous rugby league. This year will be another great All Stars event for current and future Indigenous NRL players.”
Catch the Women’s Indigenous All Stars live tonight at 5:30pm on NITV (Ch. 34) or streaming online via: http://bit.ly/2kKPE9S
NITV will also be covering the Koori vs. Murri interstate challenge and the Koori vs. Murri under 16s interstate challenge, which will be replayed on Sunday 19 February from 2pm.
