In a bid to resolve one of Australia’s most enduring sporting debates, some of the nation’s top athletes are set to participate in “Rivals,” a new series exclusive to Kayo Sports. National Rugby League (NRL) stars Josh Addo-Carr and Reece Walsh, along with NRL Women’s (NRLW) players Ali Brigginshaw and Jamie Chapman, will compete against their counterparts from Australian Rules Football and Rugby Union to determine which footy code reigns supreme. The series premieres on March 1, following the Las Vegas NRL season opener.
Hosted by Fox League’s Lara Pitt and former Richmond Tigers premiership player Jack Riewoldt, the eight-episode series was filmed on Hamilton Island. It promises to bring together the three major codes in a unique sporting challenge. “Rivals” aims to settle the score by showcasing the athletic prowess of each code in a variety of performance tests.
The Concept Behind “Rivals”
The show taps into the expertise of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to create a science-backed performance index. According to Pitt, the AIS developed a series of tests to measure the pinnacle of elite performance across sports. “Basically, we ascertain which traits make up the pinnacle of elite performance across every sport,” Pitt explained. “The AIS then compiled a series of science-backed performance tests to create our Rivals performance index.”
This initiative is more than just a competition; it is a platform to fuel the debate among fans, media, and athletes alike. Riewoldt emphasized the tribalism involved, noting, “They were representing their codes and the most important fact is they are representing the fan bases of their beloved codes and sports.”
“Rivals is much more than a competition. It’s a springboard for the debate. Households, group chats, WhatsApps, and strangers at the pub can unite and determine which code will take home the top bragging rights.” — Jack Riewoldt
Performance Tests: A Level Playing Field
The series promises a level playing field, with no home ground advantages or specialist loopholes. Athletes will be tested on speed, power, strength, endurance, coordination, and mental resilience. Riewoldt described the conditions on Hamilton Island as challenging, adding, “Importantly there is no home ground advantage here, so we can eliminate that from the debate.”
Josh Addo-Carr, known for his speed, faced a unique challenge. “It was quite exciting, but I was pretty nervous there,” Addo-Carr admitted. “I had Walshy there, had Joey Suaalii as well, so I was really excited for that challenge.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Chapman, a standout in strength tests, commented on the competitive nature of the event. “Strength is a massive component of all of our sports,” she said. “I looked at Union there and I was looking at me and Ali and then I was looking at Ash and I was looking at Reece and I was looking at Harry. I was a bit nervous for that, but I was really proud of my team.”
The Broader Impact
The introduction of “Rivals” comes at a time when Australian sports are increasingly focused on innovation and engagement. By bringing together athletes from different codes, the series not only highlights their unique skills but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Ali Brigginshaw, who is retiring at the end of the year, described her participation in “Rivals” as a career highlight. “We’re all competitive and just to see us come together as a team, we would never get to play alongside the boys here,” she said. “So to come together from NRLW and NRL to form the team, I just can’t believe how much I enjoyed it and how much it challenged me still at this age.”
As the series unfolds, it promises to not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion among fans and experts alike. The age-old debate of which footy code is the best may not be conclusively settled, but “Rivals” will certainly add fuel to the fire.
