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Speaking for the first time about the simply named Sterlo, the leading commentator detailed an hour-long preview show alongside regular panellists Matthew Johns and Greg Alexander.

The program will be aired live from 7.30pm - an hour before

The Footy Show

, which moves to a new timeslot this year. And Sterling's new program will be shown from 6.30pm for the first month of the season to accommodate Thursday night football.

"We're not in competition with The Footy Show at all," Sterling said. "I am hoping there can be some cross-promotion between the two programs. Nine has been gracious in letting me do this and my commitments with them do not change at all. This just complements them.

"This show is a comprehensive, in-depth look at each of the eight games. We've got some great rugby league knowledge to tap in to.

"We won't always see eye to eye, but we'll be going in to the analysis of games like nobody has seen before."

Fox Sports boss Gary Burns, who helped create

The Footy Show

during the mid-1990s, said any perceptions of the program being in competition with Nine were unfounded.

"There's no comedy in our show, it is a football show," he said. "I don't think they will care about what we are doing.

"We think there's a need for this type of program.

"With all the focus on fantasy leagues, tipping competitions and growth of sports betting, there is a real interest in exactly how your team will go at the weekend. The best person on Earth to drive that type of show is Peter."

Executives remain tight-lipped but it is believed revolutionary simulation technology is being worked on behind the scenes.

Johns and Alexander - who, alongside Sterling, are considered among the country's best football analysts - will be joined by a revolving panel of former players that will include Nathan Hindmarsh, Wendell Sailor and Brett Kimmorley.

"Preview shows have been done before, but this will be analysis that will be as in-depth as possible," Sterling said. "Why teams can win, why they can't and going behind the scenes as much as possible."Amid well-publicised financial problems, it emerged last year that Nine would share its on-air talent with Fox Sports throughout this season.

Paul Vautin and Phil Gould were touted as those who would be shared, but it is understood that only Sterling will have a foot in both camps.

Meanwhile, Sterling said he had no choice in his nickname being used as the title.

"That's a bit presumptuous," he laughed.

"I was told the graphics have been done, so I don't have a choice."

I think Sterlo's realised that The Footy Show is going down the tube in terms of actual analysis. Like he said, this show will focus on pure analysis, no comedy, which is something that will actually help us understand the game more rather than watch morons eat chilli or slam bikes into a fence. I would much rather it be on free-to-air but it's a step in the right direction in terms of rugby league shows.