NSWRL and The Star Unveil Hi-Tech Bionic BLUiE

Author: NSWRL
Timestamp: Mon 28 May 2018, 11:04 AM

The NSWRL and The Star Sydney have teamed up to give Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues fans across the globe unprecedented access to the 2018 team - to be announced tonight via BLUiE, the world’s first bionic Blatchys Blue.

Standing 65cm and weighing 8kg, BLUiE will be an integral member of the Bryden Lawyers NSW Blues squad in 2018, providing real-time footage from inside the NSW camp across all three games.

Equipped with a 360-degree camera and VR technology, The Blatchys Blues robot will stream content from team meetings, meals and training sessions daily to fans around the world as the team prepares for this year’s Holden State of Origin series.

BLUiE will give Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues fans unprecedented access in 2018.

BLUiE is an evolution of last year’s award-winning Blatchys SMARTWIG campaign that saw 12,000 Blatchy ticket-holders turn ANZ Stadium Blue for Game Two of the 2017 series.

In 2018, BLUiE will add to the game-day experience prior to Game Two by providing a live-streaming service of the SMARTWiG 2 radio show from the Toohey’s New Shed at ANZ Stadium.

More than 14,000 SMARTWiGs have been produced this year and the upgraded version will feature a new radio device implementation for improved comfort and fit; and 20 new LED lights for a more spectacular and amplified display to add colour and excitement into the pre-game show.

"BLUiE is innovative, engaging and fun and it is exclusive to the Blatchys Blues, a supporter group that we want to grow year-on-year," Jodie Cross, NSWRL Head of Commercial, said. "BLUiE will provide our fans with a front-row seat to what our players and coach go through to prepare for Origin."

Melinda Madigan, General Manager Marketing and Entertainment, The Star Sydney said BLUiE is an exciting initiative that reinforces The Star Sydney’s commitment to uniting NSW behind the Blues.

"The award-winning SMARTWIG campaign revolutionized the live experience for sports fans in Australia last year and the addition of BLUiE will ensure fans get access to events and activities involving the team that were traditionally off-limits," Madigan said.

"The innovation complements the fan experience of State of Origin, whether you are watching it live at the stadium or at our 24/7 Sports Bar on-site at The Star Sydney."