{"id":458203,"date":"2026-02-04T16:45:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T16:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/458203\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T16:45:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T16:45:29","slug":"code-wars-to-reach-new-ground-as-afl-stars-revealed-for-new-reality-tv-show-afl-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/458203\/","title":{"rendered":"Code wars to reach new ground as AFL stars revealed for new reality TV show – AFL News"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a><\/p>\n

Stoking the flames of one of Australia’s hottest, and longest-running debates, reality TV show Rivals will pit Aussie rules, rugby league and rugby union athletes against one another in a series of science-backed performance challenges.<\/p>\n

These tests have been designed in consultation and overseen by the Australian Institute of Sport, measuring the athletic fundamentals across the three sporting codes \u2013 speed, agility, power, endurance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Two male and two female athletes will represent each code in the series of challenges, and the calibre and resumes of the chosen athletes are particularly compelling.<\/p>\n

Representing the AFL<\/a> will be veteran Scott Pendlebury<\/a>, dual Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft<\/a>, 2024 AFLW Rising Star and Mark of the Year winner Matilda Scholz, and eight-time club best-and-fairest winner, Monique Conti<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The program will be hosted by three-time premiership Tiger Jack Riewoldt<\/a>, who is understandably excited by the new concept.<\/p>\n

“From my experience, this has been a constant debate, so it’s exciting to see a competition that brings a diverse range of talent go head-to-head on an issue that’s sparked national discussion for years. I might be biased, but looking at the talent involved, this is definitely one to watch,” he said.<\/p>\n

The eight-part series will premiere on Kayo and Foxtel on Sunday, March 1.<\/p>\n

Team Rugby League:<\/p>\n

Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos, Australian Kangaroos, QLD Maroons)
Josh Addo-Carr (Parramatta Eels, Australian Kangaroos, NSW Blues)
Ali Brigginshaw (Brisbane Broncos, Australian Jillaroos, QLD Maroons)
Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans, Australian Jillaroos, NSW Blues)<\/p>\n

Team Aussie Rules:<\/p>\n

Scott Pendlebury<\/a> (Collingwood Magpies<\/a>)
Will Ashcroft<\/a> (Brisbane Lions<\/a>)
Monique Conti<\/a> (Richmond Tigers<\/a>)
Matilda Scholz (Port Adelaide Power<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Team Rugby Union:<\/p>\n

Joseph Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, Wallabies)
Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds, Wallabies)
Ashley Marsters (Western Force, Wallaroos)
Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs, Wallaroos)
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