First look at Rugby League 26 video game ahead of July 17 release
The wait is almost over for gamers and rugby league fans as the first images of the highly anticipated NRL video game have been released.
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Nathan Cleary and Tiana Penitani Gray have been unveiled as the faces of the highly anticipated rugby league video game, which is set to be released later this month.
The first images of Rugby League 26 dropped on Wednesday, showing Penrith Panthers hero Cleary and Cronulla Sharks NRLW captain Penitani Gray adorning the cover.
PlayStation posted images on social media channels on Wednesday, whipping up fans into a frenzy.
“The greatest game of all is back. Rugby League 26 launches 17th July on PS4 & PS5,” the post read.
The improvement in the graphics of the game are mind blowing. Images show a remarkable likeness to the players, which include Cleary scoring a try, Penitani taking on the St George Illawarra defence, Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and his trademark haircut, as well as Sydney Roosters NRLW centre Isabelle Kelly. Rugby League Players Association chief executive Clint Newton said the new game was a reflection on the surging popularity of the game and its players.
“There has been such an appetite to bring a game back for the NRL and NRLW,” Newton said.
“It’s a very clear demonstration of where the game is at the moment. They (Cleary and Penitani Gray) are two superstars in their respective competitions but I think there are lots of players who could have been on the front cover.
“They could have used Isabelle Kelly, Jess Sergis or Olivia Kernick. Kalyn Ponga, Reece Walsh or Payne Haas – there’s so many players at the moment that are so marketable.
“The game is in a real purple patch with the popularity and quality of the players.”
The RLPA has united with global firm OneTeam International in a bid to maximise their players’ intellectual property.
“We’re making sure that the player’s value is protected and maximised,” Newton said.
The Rugby League Live video game first came out back in 2003 to much fanfare. The most recent version, Rugby League Live 4, was released in 2017.
Footy caller Andrew Voss, who was involved in earlier versions of the game, has again lent his voice to Rugby League 26.
The Fox League commentator and SEN Breakfast Show host has done all the voiceovers in recent weeks for the popular multi-platform video game.
The new game will feature NRL and NRLW teams, NSW Cup, Queensland Cup, the UK Super League and others in lower divisions.
It has meant Voss had to call the names of more than 2100 players.
He had been working in a studio for six hours each day on commentary lines for players, venues, attacking plays, tackles and goal kicks.
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Originally published as First look at Rugby League 26 video game ahead of July 17 release
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