Live from the USA
by ARL
Tuesday October 19, 2004

American and Australian television viewers will be treated to live coverage of the historic match between the Philips Kangaroos and the USA Tomahawks in Philadelphia.

The match will be staged at 7.30pm Eastern on November 30 in the US, which is 11.30am Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time on December 1.

The US based FOX SPORTS WORLD will televise the match throughout its vast American Cable Network, while Australia’s FOX SPORTS will provide commentary, assist in the production and televise the match live in Australia. FOX SPORTS Australia will also replay the game at 10pm AEDST.

The match will be at Franklin Field, the former home of the Philadelphia Eagles, at the University of Pennsylvania.

It will be the first time Australia has played an international on a synthetic grass surface.

“There’s no doubt this is going to be an exciting opportunity for the game,” ARL Chief Executive, Mr Geoff Carr, said today.

“The NRL’s Graham Annesley has been to the US to assess plans for the match.

“It is a very modern synthetic grass surface which has longer ‘turf’ and which is completely different from the older style grounds.

“Known as Spinturf, it was only installed some three months ago.  The blades of ‘grass’ are over an inch long, it doesn’t burn the players, it’s softer than normal surfaces and allows players to wear normal football boots.

“I know from talking to the Australian players in New Zealand last week that they are really looking forward to the USA game.

“The Tri Nations is already off to a great start and the players know they are in for a real test when the English games kick off this weekend.

“The USA leg of the tour adds another great dimension to the trip.”

FOX SPORTS today said the live broadcasts across the US and Australia were a great boost for the sport.

“It’s a match we know Australian audiences will be keen to watch and it has the potential to expose the sport to millions of viewers in the US,” FOX SPORTS Chief Operating Officer, Mr Jon Marquard, said today.

“FOX SPORTS has a tremendous commitment to Rugby League and it’s great to be working with the US to ensure that this match reaches the Australian television audience.

“FOX SPORTS Australia will provide commentary for the match and other production support in what should be a great partnership.”

USA National coverage: FOX SPORTS WORLD, Tuesday, November 30: ‘live’ 7.30pm Eastern.

Australian National coverage: FOX SPORTS, Wednesday, December 1: ‘live’ 11:30am (AEDST) Fox 1; ‘replay’ 10:00pm (AEDST) Fox 1.