It’s a television first!  New channel Te Reo is proud to screen world-class rugby league that’s totally in te reo Māori - only on RIIKI NRL, every Tuesday night at 8.30 PM.`

  Ground-breaking new series RIIKI NRL features delayed coverage of games from the NRL 2008 season.  But for the first time ever, the commentary for the international level games is in Māori, courtesy of Māori Television’s number one sports presenter Te Arahi Maipi, and sports guru Patara Berryman. Māori Television has already had a test run at re-versioning sports games into te reo, with it’s coverage of Breakers games in the National Basketball League, and regional rugby league.  It proved to be a winning formula – and one that’s set to become a regular feature for the station’s fledgling channel, Te Reo. RIIKI NRL will run for the entire NRL season, including the play offs and the grand final.  Already the draw looks to offer excitement-plus!  On April 29, viewers can tune in to Sunday’s game, Sharks v Tigers.  The first game in May, on the fourth of the month, will be Rabbitohs v Cowboys, and on May 13, Storm v Knights is the battle to watch.  More updates on games to be played will be made available as the draw comes out.  The bonus for viewers is the chance to expand their knowledge of sports-related Maori words. 

“If you are learning the language and if you are a sports fan it’s a wonderful opportunity to pick up a word a week,” says RIIKI NRL producer Brendon Butt.

  More than 20,000 registered players in the country – and many thousands more unofficial players and fans – can’t be wrong!  Get the best – and only – Māori language coverage from the 2008 NRL season.  Tune in to RIIKI NRL – Tuesdays on Te Reo at 8.30 PM.