FOX Sports expands NRL line-up

FOX Sports is launching its biggest year of Rugby League with NRL on every day of the week, showcasing every match plus a new extended line-up of entertainment shows from Monday to Thursday.

FOX Sports CEO Patrick Delany said, “Fans wanted more Rugby League so we have given them more, with a new week-long unrivalled NRL offering.

“Every night fans will be able to watch Rugby League on FOX Sports. They will get to see their team in action every week and be entertained by the game’s biggest stars and favourite personalities thanks to an all-new line-up of shows.

“This year FOX Sports will be the place to watch the big public holiday blockbusters live with exclusive coverage of four ANZAC Day clashes, an Easter Monday triple-treat plus a Queen’s Birthday double-header.

“If you love Rugby League and you love your team then FOX Sports is the place for you.”

FOX Sports’ coverage kicks off each weekend with Wild Turkey Bourbon Super Saturday featuring up to 11 hours of Live, High Definition and ad-break free Rugby League including a NRL triple-header and NSW Cup and Holden Cup matches.

Matt Shirvington will be joined by Mark Gasnier and Braith Anasta every week in the studio to host FOX Sports’ exclusive coverage, crossing Live to a team of NRL experts on the ground. Lara Pitt and Shirvington will then review all the onfield action on Super Saturday Full Time.

Live Rugby League continues FOX Sports’ coverage on Sunday before Magic Monday extends the weekend’s action, with more suburban grounds hosting exclusive Live Toyota Monday Night Football in 2015.

Following the match, the popular Toyota Monday Night with Matty Johns crew of Johns, Pitt, Gorden Tallis, Nathan ‘Hindy’ Hindmarsh and Bryan ‘Fletch’ Fletcher return to keep fans entertained as they analyse the weekend’s action.

There will be more discussion and debate as NRL 360’s Paul Kent and Ben Ikin move to three nights a week from Tuesday to Thursday, kicking off in an earlier timeslot of 6.30pm EDT with an encore screening at 8.30pm each night.

Every Tuesday viewers will get the thoughts of the people closest to the game with superstars Benji Marshall and Mick Ennis joining Ikin and Kent every week on Player’s Night.

Then at 7.30pm on Tuesday, Back Page Live returns to serve up more fun and frivolity as hosts Tony Squires and Kelli Underwood, alongside a rotating panel of the sharpest sports minds and biggest personalities, take a unique look at all the major talking points in sport.

Wednesday is NRL 360 Coaches’ Night with Manly head coach Geoff Toovey and Broncos’ Assistant coach Kevin Walters joining the desk each week to weigh in on all the pressing issues.

Peter Sterling finds a new mid-week home on Wednesday at 7.30pm with the revamped Sterlo on the Couch taking fans closer to their heroes with exclusive interviews and access to the inner sanctum of NRL Clubs.

Regular panellists, news journalist James Hooper and Manly recruit Willie Mason, join Tallis for the opening show with special guest Storm Captain Cameron Smith.

Sterlo will also sit down with Broncos star signing Darius Boyd for an update on life back in Brisbane.

Thursday Night’s NRL 360 features the legends of the game with Dragons’ champion Mark Gasnier and Queensland hero Billy Moore on hand each week to provide a different take on the game that made them household names.

Then at 7.30pm on Thursday, a brand new show Matty Johns Big Weekend launches with Johns joined each week by Greg Alexander plus the dynamic duo of Fletch and Hindy for a light-hearted look at the upcoming round.

NRL action kicks off on March 7 on FOX Sports 501 with a blockbuster Live Wild Turkey Bourbon Super Saturday triple-header from 4.00pm EDT.

FOX Sports News will ensure fans are across all the latest and breaking developments in Rugby League with comprehensive coverage led by NRL Insider Steve Hart, complemented by daily expert analysis from NRL icons. Full match reports, previews and highlights plus an in-depth weekly wrap presented by Steve Roach and Matt Russell (Tuesdays from 5.00pm) will also be available on Australia’s only dedicated sports news channel.

In addition foxsports.com.au will be the online destination to feed fans’ thirst for more in-depth and dynamic information with new features including an enhanced Match Centre, a new Player Profile and Team stats section, plus more interactive content for fans to get involved.

Monday
Toyota Monday Night Football, Live from 6.30pm
Toyota Monday Night with Matty Johns, Live at 8.45pm
Premieres: Mon 9 Mar

Tuesday
NRL 360 – Player’s Night, Live at 6.30pm
Back Page Live, Live at 7.30pm
Both premiere: Tue 3 Mar

Wednesday
NRL 360 – Coaches’ Night, Live at 6.30pm
Sterlo on the Couch, Live at 7.30pm
Both premiere: Wed 4 Mar

Thursday
NRL 360 – Legend’s Night, Live at 6.30pm
Premieres: Thu 12 Mar
Matty Johns Big Weekend, Live at 7.30pm
Premieres: Thu 5 Mar (at 6.30pm for Episode 1)

Friday
Replay of both Friday Night NRL Telstra Premiership matches.

Saturday
Wild Turkey Bourbon Super Saturday, Live from 4.00pm

Sunday
One Live NRL Telstra Premiership match.

*All times listed in AEDT