Auckland, New Zealand, August 21, 2009 - The New Zealand Rugby League are pleased to announce the continued support of Bartercard New Zealand for the National Provincial Premiership.

NZRL chief executive Jim Doyle today confirmed that Bartercard continues to be a cornerstone partner of the national game. "This is now the 10th consecutive year that Bartercard has been the major sponsor of the national competition, which demonstrates their strong commitment to our game" says Doyle.

Following yesterdays announcement of a long term partnership with Sky TV, the semi-finals and grand final of the Bartercard Premiership will be shown live and also delayed on free to air.

"It's tremendous for our premier provincial competition and many of the country's best locally-based players that these matches will be given such great exposure by Sky as well as free-to- air television," he said.

Bartercard Chief Executive Paul Bolte said "Bartercard is pleased to continue our longstanding association with Rugby League in New Zealand and we are looking forward to the next season of Bartercard Premiership."

Doyle also announced players involved in the Bartercard Premiership would be able to push their claims to be chosen in a Bartercard Premiership Selection which will face a touring Samoan team at Mount Smart Stadium's No 2 ground on October 10.

"The players for this selection side as well as the coaching and management staff will all be chosen from those involved in teams in the Bartercard Premiership," he said.

"This is an important initiative we intend to continue as a representative pathway for players in this country who are not playing for NRL or English Super League clubs or at other levels overseas. We also want it to provide opportunities for our locally-based coaches, referees and management.

"At the same time, we see this as a chance of working closely with our Pacific neighbours by involving them in this concept."

The Bartercard Premiership will begin tomorrow with Waikato hosting Wellington in Ngaruawahia, followed on Sunday by Auckland opening its title defence against fierce rival Canterbury in Christchurch. The northerners will also be defending the Rugby League Cup in the contest at Rugby League Park.

In Sunday's other clash Taranaki will face Bay of Plenty at New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium.

Each of the Bartercard Premiership matches will also be preceded by curtain-raisers by teams contesting the NJC (National Junior Competition) 18s and 16s, so providing a three-match football feast at each venue over the next five weekends.

After the fifth round of games on the weekend of September 19-20, the top four teams in the Bartercard Premiership progress to semi-finals on the weekend of September 26-27, with NJC grand finals played that weekend based on the top two placed teams in each grade. The Bartercard Premiership grand final is scheduled for October 3.

First-round fixtures this weekend are:

Saturday:

At Paterson Park, Ngaruawahia NJC 16s - Waikato v Wellington, 12.30pm (No 2 ground) NJC 18s - Waikato v Wellington, 1.00pm Bartercard NPP - Waikato v Wellington, 2.30pm

Sunday:

At Rugby League Park, Christchurch NJC 16s - Canterbury v Auckland, 12.30pm (No 2 ground) NJC 18s - Canterbury v Auckland, 1.00pm Bartercard NPP - Canterbury v Auckland, 2.30pm (also Rugby League Cup defence)

Sunday:

At Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth NJC 16s - Taranaki v Bay of Plenty, 12.30pm (No 3 ground) NJC 18s - Taranaki v Bay of Plenty, 1.00pm Bartercard NPP - Taranaki v Bay of Plenty, 2.30pm

For full team lists and fixture information refer to www.leaguenet.co.nz