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This may be a conspiracy theory, but it could be a good one. Long have people outside of NSW felt that their clubs don’t get a fair go by the NRL, the judiciary, Channel 9 and the like.
Some examples of this conspiracy theory include: Canberra hardly ever being shown on free to air TV, certain players being seen to be getting preferential treatment at judiciary, certain NSW greats getting special payments to keep them in the game rather than go to Union when QLD greats get no help from the NRL, and the list could go on.
I, personally, have long been just a little disgusted at the bias of certain commentators during NRL games on Channel 9. I have always felt that Sterlo and Rabbits are the only two in a long line of co-commentators that are even remotely impartial. I would just like to say this is no shot at Sterlo as through the whole finals campaign he has continued to conduct himself in the professional and informative manner that I love, even though his beloved team is involved.
My frustration at the bias shown in the past has simmered to boiling point while watching the coverage of the NRL Grand Final.
I had no real interest in who won. I am not a true supporter of either club, but it seems to me that Channel 9 showed just how national the comp really is. It seems the old NSWRL guard is simmering just below the surface, and Channel 9 were pushing the Sydney team to the hilt to win.
Channel 9 interviewed Parramatta parents, Parramatta greats, Parramatta players, showing Parramatta fans, everything but even acknowledging the Storm were even in the game.
It seemed no secret that everyone at Channel 9 wanted Parramatta to win. Every segment with a commentator is billed to support Parra, even to the point when Kenny Sutcliffe was standing with the kids giving out the premiership medals and said “who do you want to win”. The answer was indecipherable, so Kenny said “bit of difference, but most want Parramatta to win.” Really? How could you tell? I couldn’t understand anything they screamed out.
Interviewing the kids, they showed every child who said Hayne was his/her favourite player. Now I am sure he is their favourite player, but I can guarantee he isn’t everyones favourite player. What about the kids from the Minto club who love Inglis, Slater, Cronk etc? They didn’t get on TV.
Sure there may be some sentimentality here with Parramatta not having won a title in decades, but that hardly excuses the super NSW-centric coverage of the game.
I may be alone, but in a supposed national comp, on a national television channel, on GF day, the last thing I want from the NRL free to air provider is bias towards one of the clubs, especially if it is because that club is from the old-boys NSWRL stable.
PS: They did interview former Storm player Geyer, and then the CEO Waldron, however I stand by my sentiments. Channel 9 threw their support behind Parramatta. That is not how the Grand Final day should pan out. It should be a balanced coverage for all to enjoy.
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