First Nations Telegraph

National Indigenous Television (NITV) has footy fans covered with the return of ground-breaking weekly sports programs Yokayi Footy and Over the Black Dot in March.

First up, Over the Black Dot returns on Tuesday 7 March at 8.30pm. Legendary National Rugby League (NRL) player and proud Anaiwan man Dean Widders will lead a new-look Over the Black Dot program alongside Dual International Timana Tahu, and Bo de la Cruz, a proud descendant of the Gudjula and Erubian people and a multi-award-winning Touch, Rugby Union and Rugby League player.

This season will be full of surprises and with plenty to talk about as a new Queensland team joins the NRL. With off-the-cuff conversations and community yarns covering the top level of rugby league, and all levels of the code including community sport, the series will feature an array of talent and guests, focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Widders and Tahu will review and preview matches, with recurring guest de la Cruz, sharing opinions and tackling hot topics. From grassroots games to the bright lights of the NRL, this program is for fans that live and breathe rugby league as well as those that want to learn more about the game.

In partnership with AFL Studios and Typecast Entertainment, Yokayi Footy returns at 8.30pm on Wednesday 15 March. Hosted by former Richmond and Collingwood player and proud Mineng and Yinggarda man Andrew Krakouer, and proud Warumungu/Yawuru woman and fitness professional Megan Waters, Yokayi Footy continues to cover everything Australians love about AFL through bold yarns, powerful monologues, compelling community stories and exclusive interviews with Indigenous AFL players.

Yokayi Footy is excited to welcome Tony Briggs, a proud Yorta Yorta / Wurundjeri man, as its new Executive Producer. Tony’s career spans over thirty years in the film and television industry. Best known for creating the hit film The Sapphires, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and will be a great asset to the Yokayi Footy show.

Head of Entertainment, Events and Sport, NITV and Gooreng Gooreng man, Adam Manovic, said: “We’re eager to start the season strong for both AFL and NRL fans with Yokayi Footy and Over the Black Dot. The end of last year’s AFL season left much to talk about and we’re looking forward to bringing viewers another year of insights, analysis and banter through a First Nations lens.

“We’re proud to produce another season of Over the Black Dot, particularly off the back of the Indigenous All-Stars match in Rotorua recently. Support and momentum for our talented mob is high and we are gearing up for what will be a huge year, with the introduction of the Dolphins to shake things up. Our hosts are rearing and ready to go.”