The Official NRL app will be bigger and better in 2017 with new upgrades that will make it simpler than ever to watch live games and stay informed from the sidelines, the dinner table or when you are out and about.
All eligible Telstra mobile customers will be able to stream NRL, State of Origin and Test matches live, fast and data free as part of their mobile plan with the Official NRL app and the NRL Live Pass.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said he was proud of the longstanding partnership the National Rugby League has with Telstra.
"It's a big moment for all of us to be able to connect our fans in the best way possible," Greenberg said at the Telstra sports app launch in Sydney.
"Sport, like technology, is part of people's DNA – especially in this country. As the media landscape changes, so must we continue to evolve and innovate the way we engage with fans.
"As the demand for deeper content and access online grows, the relationship between technology and sport also grows. That's why our partnership in 2017 with Telstra will bring more fans closer to the game and closer to the players."
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Telstra listened and worked directly with NRL fans to ensure the upgraded app provides innovative features that make using it simple. This includes seamless authentication, live vision, enhanced stats and insights such as Bunker decisions that allow fans to be the experts.
Michele Garra, Executive Director Telstra Media, said the combination of Australia's passion for live sport and new, world-class technology built into the apps is expected to revolutionise the customer experience.
"Watching live sport on mobile is no longer the domain of die-hard sports fanatics, it's what all sports lovers expect," Ms Garra said.
"The thrilling golden-point draw between the Titans and Sharks in Round 21 produced almost 60,000 unique views and 1.8 million minutes streamed for a live game using the NRL Live Pass.
"Sports fans are dedicated to their team. They want to know what's going on with their team and the apps this year really help them do that."
Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco said he, his teammates and friends are all big users of the NRL app before, during and after matches.
"If we're out and about or on a road trip the ability to watch live games, highlights or press conferences is so easy with the technology these days," Tedesco said.
"The boys always compare their stats on the app.
"If we have a long trip to Newcastle or Canberra, on the way back we'll watch the match highlights and get the stats from our game."
Tedesco said Wests Tigers players were often on their mobile phones keeping connected with friends, family and fans.
"The boys are into a lot of social media, such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I use Twitter to get all my general sport news and for NRL news I use the app," he said.
"Woodsy (Aaron Woods) is always on Twitter – he loves Tweeting about wrestling and whatever's on TV.
"For Instagram its David Nofoaluma and Tim Simona – they love taking shirtless selfies."
NRL Official Live app (iOS & Android):
• Integration of Bunker decisions for each match in match centre allowing fans to understand the rationale of each decision during and after the game.
• More intelligent viewing with the draw, player stats and related article widgets to integrate into news articles.
• Fans also have the option to download one or more of the 16 club apps on iOS or Android to keep up with all the latest from their favourite teams.
Download the NRL Official app on your mobile:
