Capras welcome Nine
THERE'S a big smile on the face of CQ Capras chief executive Brenton Williamson, as the advantages the club has gained from the new television deal with Channel Nine begin to add up.
The Capras will have their Round 14 fixture against Norths Devils at Browne Park beamed into homes around the State.
"This is the first time for Browne Park," he said.
The games will get great coverage, with Channel Nine keeping their production team on the road for three weeks covering the games in the north.
"The production will have the Wide World of Sports polish," he said.
That game is set down for June 17, but there is a bonus for fans of the Capras.
"We are also scheduled for the Round 12 game (June 3) at the Sunshine Coast," he said.
Making it a triple-treat for Central Queenslanders is another match in Round 16, when the Capras meet Northern Pride at Cairns.
For a club like the Capras, the added television coverage opens a window of opportunity of earning much-needed revenue.
"We will be featured in a block every two weeks (over six weeks)," he said.
"It is an interesting experience for the club."
Williamson said existing sponsors would not only have their signage on display during the season, but also on TV for the Browne Park match.
Other sponsorship opportunities arise from the coverage of the games.
"It provides a different broadcasting opportunity," he said.
Apart from existing signage, Williamson said there was also the chance to gain another major sponsor for the club.
For the televised Intrust Super Cup matches, painted advertisements on the playing surface are permitted, and this could be attractive to a big company outside Rockhampton and even Central Queensland.
There is also an option for selling shirt naming rights, as currently that is held by Rockhampton Leagues Club, who, Williamson said, would forgo that right if the club could attract a big money deal.
The future also looks good for the Cup, as Papua New Guinea is looking to enter their NRL Bid team in the competition, and that would provide extensive TV coverage in that rugby league-mad country with a prospective audience of more than 4 million viewers.
