NRL reality show - 'Idol' with balls

Winners of a new NRL reality show will get a contract with one of five teams, including the Dragons.

SYDNEY - Filming has started on a new rugby league reality television show.

In a year in which the code has come under fire for a series of scandals involving high profile players and celebrities, a new 14-part series will give aspiring players, aged between 17 and 25, a chance to play at the highest level.

The programme, called NRL Dream, is being promoted as a mixture of Australian Idol, Survivor and Big Brother, News Limited reports.

Auditions will be held around Australia and in PNG, with the winner gaining a A$100,000 ($125,754.52) contract with either the Dragons, Roosters, Cowboys, Knights or Titans.

Senior NRL coaches Wayne Bennett, Brian Smith, Neil Henry and John Cartwright have all backed the project.

- AAP