NRL stars Josh Addo-Carr and Reece Walsh, alongside NRLW counterparts Ali Brigginshaw and Jamie Chapman, have teamed up to tackle one of Australia’s most enduring sporting debates: which footy code reigns supreme? This intriguing question is at the heart of “Rivals,” a new series exclusive to Kayo Sports. Premiering on March 1, the show will see top rugby league players face off against their counterparts from Aussie Rules and Rugby Union in a bid to claim the ultimate bragging rights.
The series kicks off following the Las Vegas NRL season opener and will be available live and ad-break free during play on FOX LEAGUE, exclusively on Kayo Sports. Hosted by Fox League’s Lara Pitt and former Richmond Tigers premiership player Jack Riewoldt, the eight-episode series was filmed on the picturesque Hamilton Island, setting the stage for an epic showdown between Australia’s three biggest footy codes.
The Battle of the Codes
Lara Pitt, a seasoned Dragons fan with 17 years of experience at Fox League, is no stranger to the passionate debate over which code is the best. “There really is no bigger competition between these three codes,” Pitt remarked. “Every fan and media outlet has their own opinion, but ‘Rivals’ finally provides the ammo to settle the score.”
To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) was brought on board as the show’s high-performance partner. “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.”
“But we needed to test these traits under pressure that would simulate real match conditions, so that’s how the rivals tests were ultimately created and are a culmination of key attributes of elite performance with teamwork and the mental resilience required from all of our favourite footy codes.” — Lara Pitt
Tribalism and Team Spirit
Jack Riewoldt, who boasts three premierships with the Tigers, emphasized the unique tribalism that fuels the show. “They were representing their codes and the most important fact is they are representing the fan bases of their beloved codes and sports,” Riewoldt stated.
The show promises to explore whether the repeat endurance and aerial skill of Aussie rules, the raw power and speed of rugby league, or the versatility and physical demands of rugby union will shine brightest. “What does the brute power of a scrum and co-ordinated grace of a lineout teach us about the skills and performance required to be a Wallaby or a Wallaroo?” Riewoldt pondered.
“What you’re going to see across eight incredible episodes, Rivals will pit our top athletes of our footy codes against each other in a wide range of performance tests as done by the AIS.” — Jack Riewoldt
Challenges and Insights
Josh Addo-Carr, known for his speed, faced a unique challenge on Hamilton Island. “It was quite exciting, but I was pretty nervous,” he admitted. “I had Walshy there, had Joey Suaalii as well, so I was really excited for that challenge.”
Pitt praised Addo-Carr for his competitive nature, which drew a humorous response from the man known as The Foxx. “I love the serious side, Josh,” Pitt said. “You took it very seriously. You wanted to win.” Addo-Carr replied with a laugh, “Humble.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Chapman, a Titans and Jillaroos star, reflected on the strength tests. “Strength is a massive component of all of our sports,” Chapman 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.”
A Career Highlight
Ali Brigginshaw, a retiring Maroons star and Broncos and Jillaroos legend, considers “Rivals” a standout moment in her illustrious career. “I just loved the challenge,” Brigginshaw said. “We’re all competitive and just to see us come together as a team, we would never get to play alongside the boys here.”
As the series unfolds, it promises to reignite discussions across households, group chats, and pubs nationwide. “Rivals is much more than a competition. It’s a springboard for the debate,” Riewoldt concluded, hinting at the show’s potential to finally settle the score in Australia’s great footy code debate.
