In a landmark day for rugby league in Australia, the ARLC got its wish of a $1 billion TV rights deal, along with some great news for fans.
One of the biggest outcomes for the new television deal is that fans will enjoy a fixed draw for the first 20 rounds. This means punters will know well in advance where their team is playing and on what day/night. This is a great win for both the fans and for clubs. Fingers crossed my team doesn’t have too many night games in winter though.
The positives to this new agreement are that clubs will be able to plan months in advance for promoting and marketing home games. The scheduling will also allow supporter clubs to organise trips to away venues. The fixed scheduling alone will entice higher memberships and allow fans from country areas a better chance to plan their weekends well in advance to see a game of NRL.
But with every winner there must be a loser. Some fans and players will see some negatives with the new agreement. Players will still have to back up two days after Origin games and a lot of fans will not be happy with the scheduling of the grand final, which is back to a 7:15pm kick off.
The later kick off means New Zealand viewers will be watching the game at 9:15pm and it will be even later for our Polynesian neighbours Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands. These nations contribute a large amount of the playing talent in the NRL and they should feel hard done by with the later time slot of the grand final.
I understand the reasoning behind the later kick off, with television ratings the main objective. The later kick off also allows more countries in other parts of the world to watch the biggest game of the year, which is always a good thing for the game.
The ARLC must be congratulated for fighting for the fans. They may not have got everything we wanted but they have done a pretty good job and set up what looks to be a bright future for the greatest game of all.
oikee
Guest
They are no worse off either. I recall seeing they get a 2 hour added footy program as well. If they want more, then Paytv is waiting for them. Or even better would be buy a membership and get to games. Nobody can make league fans better off, it is impossible, so dont even try.
Brewski
Guest
Pommy game ........
Australian Rules
Guest
If I'm wrong, what are all these articles and hundred of comments on about?
Australian Rules
Guest
Come on CC, yes the money is great for the admin and grassroots structure of the sport. But the average fan of the NRL watching the game on TV (as most do) doesn't have a better "deal" than last time.
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
True rugby league fans want to see the game succeed. This deal will help the game succeed.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Please AR.Grant stated at the press conference grassroots is one of the priorities.So your perhaps, is nonsense. A schedule up to round 20 ,compared to one 5 weeks in adavnce is a plus.It may encourage more fans to purchase season tickets. The Titans recently announced children including students will get in free,and new deals will be in place for 2013.The effects are already being felt. The fans are no worse off,they do have additional thursday night live on 9 games. You either get a big pay day securing your future,or receive a smaller pay day and live hand to mouth,like the last 6 years.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
It is good news to get some serious money into the coffers of the NRL. I can put up with the actual coverage og the games as i think it is good except the commentry side of things. All i wish for is a decent 2hr footy show where theyre all not trying to be comedians and biased to certain clubs and players. Namely the Johns and Newcastle.
Australian Rules
Guest
Yes but things you mentioned benefit the administration, clubs and players (and perhaps indirectly for grassroots etc). The FANS watch the game on tv...and they seem to be no better off.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Independence from News,a fixed schedule for 20 rounds, abolishment of the first and last rights clause,money to ensure star players retained in the game,money for grassroots and money to ensure clubs survive and money for infrastructure improvements. Fans may well complain about same FTA covergae,but the aforementioned ensures long term viabiltiy,not short term expediency .
Renegade
Guest
YES the deal is the biggest thing to ever happen to rugby league. The ramifications of this deal will give the game something to build upon for decades....
chris
Guest
SOO for weekend's...maybe fan's just go and support the local semi pro club's and not be held to ransom by the evil of TV.
steve b
Roar Guru
Is the new deal good for fans ,, in one word NO !
Andrew
Guest
Sorry can't agree with you. The fans are the big losers are the biggest losers from this deal. Those without Fox will be served sub-standard coverage and some may not see their team on FTA for months at a time. The opportunity was presented to show a Saturday night game live and live Sunday football. Commercial TV is only interested in providing the best product to potential advertisers. How John Grant can say this deal is the dest for fans is beyond me.
Global
Guest
"The ARLC must be congratulated for fighting for the fans." How many "fans" are there of: 1) Fatty Vautin and his retarded footy show 2) Lockyer and his gravely inaudible voice as a commentator 3) Having AFL FTA on saturday night but no NRL 4) Channel 9 cross promoting during NRL matches Does anyone else want to add to the list of things we can be a fan of?