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Every Monday night, I sit down and watch the wonderful Fox Sports program On the Couch. For those not familiar with it, the show features host Gerard Healy, prominent AFL writer Mike Sheahan, and Essendon legend James Hird.
The three worthies discuss issues in the game, whether arising from the most recent round of AFL action or longer-running concerns.
The funny thing is, I’m not really much of an Aussie rules fan. I don’t barrack for any team in particular and I’ll always pick a big league game or union game over an AFL one.
However, On the Couch is simply so interesting that I feel compelled to watch it.
The NRL, meanwhile, can boast the excellent NRL Tactics show, which gives the viewer a (genuine) insight into on-field tactics being used every week in the NRL.
With host Andy Raymond and ex-coaches like Stuart Raper or Michael Hagan, and current players like Brett Kimmorley or Braith Anasta, the program gives the discerning rugby league fan a look into why teams are doing certain things and what tactics we might expect to see on the weekend.
They proudly declare that they are only concerned with what happens on the field.
And then there is the coverage of rugby union.
The Roar community has already been vocal about the disappointing level of bias in the commentary provided for Australian Super 14 games, and we’re not alone.
On the South African website SuperSport, the weekly Super 14 wrap up column (cleverly named the SuperWrap) has on a number of occasions recently had gentle digs at the bias of the Australian commentators. Meanwhile, the closest thing to analysis of rugby on Foxtel, the Rugby Club, is pure tabloid these days.
It is incomprehensible to me that Fox Sports don’t seem to realise that not everyone who watches rugby in Australia is a one-eyed supporter of all things Australian.
Why can’t we have a rugby version of On the Couch with, for example, John Eales, Nick Farr-Jones and one of the top rugby writers in the country?
They could chat about developments in the Super 14, like tactics that teams are using, new players making an impact or significant injuries. They could do searching long-format interviews of various coaches and players from around the competition.
Perhaps get a scrum expert (and I mean expert, not Phil Kearns) to explain some of the more opaque scrum time rulings.
I would watch that show every week. In fact, I would record that show every week and probably watch it twice. I’d probably even make copies and distribute to my friends and relatives without access to Foxtel.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.