Nine to show Sunday NRL

Big matches now on Sundayhttp://m.smh.com.au/rugby-league/nine-to-show-sunday-afternoon-nrl-matches-live-20141213-126fo3.htmlNine to show Sunday afternoon NRL matches liveDecember 14, 2014 - 12:00AM"We are scheduling big games that people want to watch on Sundays": NRL boss Dave Smith.Photo: Getty ImagesAdjust font size Read LaterBy Adrian ProszenkoSunday afternoon NRL matches will be shown live on channel Nine next year in a huge win for football fans.NRL chief executive Dave Smith confirmed the move that will ensure seven of the eight weekly fixtures will now be shown on Nine or Fox Sports.To kick off proceedings, three blockbuster matches have been scheduled for Sunday afternoons, which will be confirmed when the NRL draw is released on Monday.Penrith will take on Canterbury in a battle for the west in the opening round, while the traditional Rabbitohs-Roosters encounter is scheduled in round two. The defending premiers will again receive the prime Sunday spot when they take on Wests Tigers in round three.The agreement with the Nine Network will placate football fans, who have had to watch the telecast on an hour delay. Given the accessibility of live scores on social media, it was expected ratings would be on a downward spiral if there wasn't a change.The game will still give Nine its traditional lead-in to the network's high-rating news coverage."There is nothing better than watching games live, and now it is going to become a prime-time reality on Sundays," Smith said."Channel Nine will show Sunday games live throughout the season so fans will see every minute of the game as it happens. It means NRL games will be shown live on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in 2015."All 26 Sunday matches will be shown live in Sydney, with 23 live matches in Brisbane once daylight saving ends.The Rabbitohs, fresh from breaking their long premiership drought, are likely to provide a ratings bonanza for Nine after being scheduled for two of the opening three Sunday slots."In other words, fans will see some of the top teams of 2014, including the premiers South Sydney, in blockbuster matches to kick off the Sunday coverage," Smith said."We are scheduling big games that people want to watch on Sundays. So not only will we have a great offering on television, but there will be better games for fans at the ground on Sunday afternoons - when so many families are able to attend."Smith thanked channel Nine CEO David Gyngell and Fox Sports counterpart Patrick Delany for working with the NRL to make live Sunday football coverage a reality. Gyngell said the move was a direct response to the demands of clubs and fans."Everyone prefers to watch games live - we just had to make it happen," Gyngell said.Nine's head of sport, Steve Crawley, added: "Our aim is to deliver the best possible sporting spectacle, and that means showing NRL matches live wherever possible."This is a great outcome for clubs, fans and players."It is expected Manly will play Parramatta in the opening round when the governing body confirms the draw. The clash will pit Eels recruit Anthony Watmough against his old club in an early season blockbuster."I dare say, someone at the NRL saw a bit of pulling power in that," quipped Parramatta forward David Gower, himself a former Sea Eagle."It's always good to test yourself early against a top side to see where you are and where you need to improve."

"Tuivaiti to start, and Junior on the bench could be a really easy fix. Honestly, I haven't seen Tui have a bad game yet, give him the start and see how he handles it."

Replies

hindy December 14, 2014 at 10:17am

About bloody time:)
Wayne December 14, 2014 at 10:26am

"Best possible sporting spectacle", HA HA WHAT A JOKE. If this was the case they would broadcast in HD!
- BE STONE COLD > Wayne December 14, 2014 at 11:22am
  
  FFS, ur hard to please... I'm just happy for those people who don't have Fox who now get to see more than one Live game a week.
- Wayne > Wayne December 14, 2014 at 11:29am
  
  I'm all for live games Badass, but surely you can see the irony with the comment above!
- El patrón MDV > Wayne December 14, 2014 at 12:55pm
  
  Totally agree,
  
  The quality in SD on channel 9 is inferior to HD on Fox. It feels like the broadcast is back in the eighties
Ham Sammich December 14, 2014 at 1:54pm

I'd rather a delayed broadcast on all games. Doesn't have to be a long wait, just 30 or so minutes would encourage more people to attend the games which will make a better atmosphere to watch it on TV.
Muttman December 14, 2014 at 2:00pm

Can't believe it took this long. Getting it right finally.
Jpav December 14, 2014 at 2:59pm

There is talk nine will have kick off at 4:15pm I can imagine in the middle of winter people staying at home to watch it rather than going in the cold weather.
- Gray Fox > Jpav December 14, 2014 at 3:46pm
  
  Yep. It's another nail in the coffin for day-time footy. It will be completely dark by full-time. I wish it would be a 3.30pm kickoff instead.
slip December 14, 2014 at 4:28pm

About time. Delayed telecast and commercials ruin the viewing especially when Parra are struggling.