LONDON BRONCOS are poised to get even bigger in Papua New Guinea.
The ambitious Championship club are already a hit in the Rugby League-mad Oceanic country, along with Australia and New Zealand one the hosts of this year’s World Cup, through the presence of a string of Kumuls in their squad.
That’s thanks to the backing of owners Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel and the contacts of coach Jason Demetriou, who is also in charge of the PNG national team, who won last year’s Pacific Bowl competition.
Now the Broncos, who are seeking a spot in Super League next season after missing out for this year, have clinched a new broadcast deal with the National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea.
All their remaining home matches this year will be screened across PNG and selected Pacific Island markets.
The Broncos believe viewers throughout the region will be keen to watch such as Morea Morea, Gairo Voro, Finley Glare, Epel Kapinias, Alex Max, Robert Mathias and Jeremiah Simbiken in action between now and the end of the campaign.
The deal also includes coverage on NBC Radio and digital platforms, and Wechsel said: “This is an important step in growing our international audience.
“Papua New Guinea and the Pacific have a deep passion for Rugby League, and we are proud to strengthen our connection with fans in the region.”
PNG NBC managing director Kora Nou added: “Rugby League holds a special place in the hearts of people across PNG and the Pacific.
“This agreement gives our viewers direct access to London Broncos’ home matches and strengthens NBC’s role as the home of the sport in the region.”