UK pay-television broadcaster Sky is to enhance its coverage of the Super League rugby league competition by introducing a player cam.
In what Sky claims is a first for the sport, Warrington Wolves player Kurt Gidley (pictured) will have a camera attached to his jersey during the game against Leigh later today (Thursday).
The camera, which has been produced by technology company First Vision, will be housed within a vest and sit behind a small hole in Gidley’s jersey.
The camera will provide a live feed of Gidley’s perspective of the match, with the footage to be used discretionally during Sky’s broadcast of the game. Footage from the camera will be published digitally tomorrow (Friday).
The use of the camera is subject to final health and safety checks.
Sky Sports head of rugby league, Neville Smith, said: “We are constantly working to deliver the very best coverage for our viewers and player cam will bring a brand new angle to our broadcast by showing the game from a player’s perspective. The RFL (Rugby Football League) and Warrington Wolves have been hugely supportive in pushing the innovation through and creating a first for rugby league.”
Sky’s current five-year rights deal for the Super League runs across its 2017 to 2021 seasons.