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Delayed Sunday NRL telecast on Dave Smith's hitlist

15th September, 2014
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Dave Smith promised proactive leadership. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
15th September, 2014
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The delayed NRL game screened at 4pm to 6pm on Sundays, complete with ad breaks every 10 minutes, has long been one of NRL fans’ least favourite things about the game.

We live in a time where you can watch the game live in the UK via their pay TV network, and in the US on the digital pass, but not in this country (unless you do it illegally or have access to a live feed).

But it seems like the delayed game on Sundays is on NRL CEO Dave Smith’s hitlist of things that need changing, according to his words in an interview with the Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield.

Channel Nine have long supported the game of rugby league, and their coverage has become an institution, in particular the voice of Ray ‘Rabbits’ Warren and his band of co-commentators.

But the fans have long complained, on The Roar and elsewhere about the lack of a live option on Sunday afternoons. There have been reports of a shift in the current plan, but no action so far.

Dave Smith’s words to Rothfield are the most concrete sign that the game is serious about getting every match played on live television, whether that’s free-to-air or on pay TV. As it is, one Friday night game will have to be delayed for NRL fans, unless the move to Thursday night football on Nine is made permanent. But the Sunday game might be live sooner rather than later.

“The more live free-to-air coverage we can get the better it is for the fans,” Dave Smith told Rothfield.

“We will talk to the broadcasters. David Gyngell is a good bloke and very reasonable.

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“Often when you talk about these things, your ambitions can align.

“You’re 100 per cent right, though. Next year we’ve got to try to maybe start the Sunday game a bit later and show it live.

“We are going to talk to them and at the same time we need to make sure all our broadcast partners are okay with it. Ultimately, live sport is better than delayed sport.”

This is surely a good sign that the League is serious about giving the fans the best possible television experience.

What do you think Roarers? Is this the confirmation you were looking for?

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