NEW NRL broadcast deal makes digital delivery of rugby league a reality

THIS is the good news. The $1.025 billion deal is in the bag and, potentially, up to $100 million more could be to come.

THIS is the good news. The $1.025 billion deal is in the bag and, potentially, up to $100 million more could be to come.

With the radio and New Zealand television rights still to be sorted out, the ARLC also has an ace up its sleeve.

Internet protocol TV (IPTV) means if you have a mobile device, a tablet or a laptop computer, you can get your footy on the go. At work, at the beach, camping or at a cafe - and it's worth millions to the game.

As part of Fox Sports' pay TV rights, every subscriber will also be able to stream five live weekly matches.

But the NRL also has the chance to cash in on more sales by selling more games to non-Fox Sports subscribers. As interim chief executive Shane Mattiske explained yesterday, this is a new age and the ARLC is out to make the most of it.

"This is an announcement around free-to-air and pay television rights. We have separated mobile and online rights for the NRL to exploit," he said.

"We have been able to separate rights that will enable us to make some quite exciting offerings to our fan base both through mobile and through online.

"So not only have we done a very good deal today but we are moving forward and very excited about the potential of what we can bring into the digital space.

"We are also excited about the arrangement we are working on in relation to New Zealand rights.

"The game is going very well there at the moment so we are excited about the growth potential for rugby league and we expect to see some strong value come through in our broadcast rights in that territory."

The AFL made more than $150 million for its online and mobile rights, so the question was asked: Can rugby league match it?

"There is immense opportunity for our game, absolutely," Mattiske said.