NORTHERN Pride is leading the way again after becoming the first Intrust Super Cup side in history to stream all of its games live to rugby league fans across Australia and the rest of the world.

The North Queensland-based club began the ground-breaking initiative at the start of the 2012 season by providing a live feed with commentary on its website for all home games.

However, Pride has now announced its expansion to also include all away games – starting with the club’s Round 5 game against the Central Queensland Capras in Rockhampton tonight (Thursday, April 5).

Pride Chief Executive Officer Chris Sheppard said the first-of-its-kind concept had already received positive feedback from fans across the Intrust Super Cup.

“Pride supporters have really embraced this ground-breaking service of a live feed, and we’ve also heard really good feedback from fans of other clubs in the competition,” the former North Queensland Cowboys and St George Illawarra Dragons NRL player said.

“No other Intrust Super Cup club has taken this path to provide this level of coverage to their fans, and rugby league fans in general.

“This is testament to our commitment to provide our fans, both local and from as far away as China, France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the opportunity to see their team play.

“We’ve already had high-profile guests on the live stream including Cowboys head coach Neil Henry and former NRL star Clinton Schifcofske, with a number of other celebrities planned for throughout the season.”

Sheppard said the club was now confident of delivering the live feed service at every game, including those away from the Pride’s home base at Barlow Park in Cairns.

“We want to deliver the best possible service, and we ask that people be patient as we work our way through this process,” Sheppard said.

“Each venue we go to has varying infrastructure – internet capability on site, power capability, space for callers beside the cameraman, and a number of other considerations.

“This is out of our hands, and with each venue being different, we are feverishly working away behind the scenes to provide the best footage and commentary available within our budget.”

Sheppard said that a small charge of $5 for away games covered the costs involved in providing the feed, alongside equipment, software, and training and travel costs for the filming and commentary crew.

Pride members with packages costing more than $20 receive live streaming of all home games free of charge.

“We play the Capras at Browne Park in Rockhampton tonight, with the live feed crew heading down with the team to bring you all the action,” said Sheppard.

“So, if you’ve got nothing to do this Thursday night at 7pm, why not tune in into our live stream and commentary – and see how we’re leading the way.”

To catch all the action tonight, and for all Pride games, live stream access can be purchased by clicking on the Live Feed tab on the Northern Pride’s website and follow the simple prompts.

Live feed access can be purchased up to 72 hours in advance, with full details under the Live Feed tab.

“We would like all Pride and rugby league fans to let us know what they think of the live stream, along with our in-depth Facebook and Twitter coverage of Pride games which include post-match press conference video links uploaded just minutes after they’ve finished,” Sheppard said.

“We appreciate everyone’s feedback, and aim to continually build the quality of the stream and overall match coverage for Pride and all rugby league fans.”

For further details, visit www.northernpride.com.au.