Maori Television is again playing the sports card to increase viewer numbers.
Waatea News reports it has signed a deal with the Manly Sea Eagles to rebroadcast all its National Rugby League matches on Monday nights.
Chief executive Jim Mather says sport has proved to be an effective way to popularise te reo Maori.
He says the deal will build on the success of the channel's Breakers basketball coverage and its broadcast of boxer David Tua's fights.
