Discovery and Sky have further expanded their partnership, announcing that State of Origin Game 1 will broadcast live on Three and ThreeNow on 9 June – as well as live on Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now.
The remainder of the State of Origin series will be live and exclusive on Sky.
It’s the first time in 19 years Three has offered State of Origin, and will enable all Kiwis to watch Game 1 of the State of Origin series live across Three, ThreeNow, Sky and Sky Sport Now.
Come game day, Newshub Late will air at 9.30pm with State of Origin coverage from 9.50pm. Build-up, halftime and post-match commentary will be localised with a team of expert Newshub and Sky reporters and presenters.
Sky Sport viewers will get the full experience from Nine’s expert panel at 9pm until 10.10pm kick-off. Sky customers also get Nine’s in-depth analysis at half-time and full time.
General Manager, Discovery New Zealand and Australia, Glen Kyne says: “It’s been a long time since this iconic event was last seen live on free-to-air and we know Kiwis will be thrilled to catch the action live on Three and ThreeNow.”
Sky’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jonny Errington says: “Partnerships are an important part of our strategy, and we look forward to working with the team at Discovery and Three to bring this match to Kiwi sports fans.”
Chief Executive of the NRL, Andrew Abdo says: “We are delighted that the first match of State of Origin, a rivalry that captures all sports lovers’ imagination, is being offered to a broader audience in New Zealand via Sky’s collaboration with Discovery. This is a great outcome for our fans in New Zealand.”
