Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has announced a new partnership with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) which will see the Hostplus Cup broadcast live on SEN in 2022.

With the Hostplus Cup set to begin its 27th year this weekend, the competition will be broadcast on SENQ on DAB+ in Brisbane, 1620am SEN Gold Coast, and nationally on the SEN app.

The 2022 season of the premier men’s rugby league competition in Queensland will have 14 teams, including one team from Papua New Guinea based in Queensland, compete over 20 home and away rounds plus finals.

As part of the coverage, SENQ will broadcast a minimum of one match per round and air a weekly one-hour Hostplus QRL Cup show every Wednesday starting from Wednesday, with the organisation’s coverage to be led by NRL commentator, Mark Braybrook, along with Gary Belcher and Scott Sattler.

Sports Entertainment Network CEO, Craig Hutchison, said the network was excited to begin its coverage of the competition.

“The Hostplus Cup competition is ingrained in the fabric of Queensland sporting culture and the state-based league is as popular as ever,” Hutchison said.

“I’m very proud that our organisation will be delivering Queenslanders the local rugby league content they’ve been screaming out for.

“The Hostplus Cup competition brings so much opportunity to local league fans.

“And at SEN we look forward to working with the QRL and Hostplus to deliver for the fans.

“As Hostplus themselves remind us, more local Queensland content, that’s a plus,” he said.

QRL CEO, Rohan Sawyer, said the partnership would increase exposure for the organisations premier men’s competition.

“The Hostplus Cup is going from strength to strength each year, and a partnership with the largest syndicator of sports radio content across Australia will only further enhance the standing of this competition,” Sawyer said.

“It’s great to see additional commercial interest in broadcasting these games because a partner like SEN brings instant credibility for its work in covering national sports like the NRL, AFL, and cricket.

“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to enjoy match-day coverage, as well as the weekly show that will provide even more content for fans of our great game to enjoy,” he said.