Sky's the limit for premier team

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTY: Monday night will see the Northern Swords have their taste of Monday night footy as their match will be televised live on Sky Sport.PHOTO/RON BURGIN

On Monday night the Northern Swords premier team will be stars in their own right as their clash with the Wellington Orcas at Mt Smart Stadium will be aired live on Sky Sport.

In what is an initiative set up by New Zealand Rugby League, Monday night football now has a local feel as regional teams get their time in the limelight. And, Rugby League Northland says they plan on making the most of it.

General manager Alex Smits said the televised nature of the game presented a massive chance for Northlanders to show we are serious about league.

"It opens up the audience to Northland, to our sponsors, and to the brand of the Swords so it is important the boys put in a credible performance," Smits said.

"We don't care about the win, it's a bonus, we just want to do the small the things right and show our talent.

"We've just got to make sure we're playing smart football, show that we're not just speed bumps out there." Despite losing last weekend, the Swords have had a major success this season by winning their first match in the national competition. But, that's not enough for Smits.

"We're really happy, but we're not resting on our laurels.

"I've been to a few national events and people are commenting on how well we're doing but it's about building and getting better.

"Wellington has made some massive progress this year, but so have we, we're just focusing on the process for the game."