The QRL have released an updated Intrust Super Cup draw with TV Games for the first five rounds decided. They governing body have also determined some of the other TV games further into the season. There’s an updated draw with the kick off times confirmed for all games.
Proving to be quite democratic with the TV allocations, the Intrust Super Cup will feature nine different teams in the first five rounds, with only premiers Ipswich televised twice. The Jets will feature in the Grand Final replay for the cameras in Round 2 at North Ipswich Reserve against the Townsville Blackhawks.
The first TV game of the year will be on the Sunshine Coast in honour of the Zaidee Rainbow Foundation round, a fundraiser for the James Ackerman Family Trust. Early round TV kick offs will be at the “player friendly” time of 12:40pm to allow for the NRL kick off’s later in the afternoon.
Of the remaining TV games announced only Tweed Heads are yet to appear on one of the TV game allocations. There’s also Channel 9’s first time trip to Jack Manski Oval for a Blackhawks game. A highlight of those TV games announced outside the first five rounds is the PNG Hunters trip to Ipswich, which if it is close to the 2015 edition at Ipswich which be one to mark down in your calendar.
Finally with the TV games yet to be decided for Round 6, there’s still hope that Channel 9 and the QRL will be commercially brave/financial enough to take the cameras to the new home for the Hunters in Port Moresby for the game between PNG and Townsville. Given another huge crowd turned out for the recent trial game against Penrith, it would be a shame if the Intrust Super Cup and Channel 9 couldn’t show a game of this quality in a real heartland of rugby league. Costs aside, it seems odd to allow teams into a competition and not want to showcase them for all league fans. And there would be general rugby league interest in seeing games from PNG.
TV GAMES FIRST 5 ROUNDS
Sunday March 6 – 12:40pm
Sunshine Coast Falcons v Northern Pride @ Sunshine Coast Stadium
Sunday March 13 – 12:40pm
Ipswich Jets v Townsville Blackhawks @ North Ipswich Reserve
Sunday March 20 – 12:40pm
Mackay Cutters v Easts Tigers @ Stadium Mackay
Sunday March 27 – 12:40pm
Souths Logan Magpies v Ipswich Jets @ Davies Park
Sunday April 3 – 1:40pm
North Devils v Burleigh Bears @ Bishop Park
But it’s not all about TV games in the Intrust Super Cup, why not get to a game or two this season, and adopt your nearest side if you don’t already have a team. It is tremendous value for money and the drop in price doesn’t mean an equal drop in standard on the field.
