With media coverage of the NRL at an all time high, it’s a good time to list my top five media personalities currently covering the game. Sure, not all choices will be popular but as they say, opinions are like… well, everyone has one.
5. Lara Pitt
Female sport commentators are becoming far more prevalent these days and Lara rates highly. She is knowledgable makes players feel relaxed, which ultimately encourages them to give honest answers.
4. Andrew Voss
Chanel Nine replacing Andrew Voss with Ray Hadley has to go down as one of the most ludicrous decisions in Australian sports broadcasting history. Voss is now covering New Zealand games and it’s always a pleasure to hear his refreshing and excitable call. It’s always a strong reflection of the on-field action.
3. Paul Kent
Perhaps the most controversial choice in the field (especially considering the drama this week) but I challenge any league fan to watch NRL 360 and not nod their head in agreement with Kent’s thoughts regarding the way the game is run. Always happy to call a spade a spade, Kent’s analysis, while confronting, is certainly refreshing.
2. Peter Sterling
‘Sterlo’ left The Footy Show years ago because he wanted to protect his football analysis integrity and it is the best choice he could have ever made. Sterlo hung up his boots in 1992, and the game has changed markedly since then, but he consistently provides a modern view.
1. Matthew Johns
Love him or loathe him, Matty Johns continues to pull the ratings and his light hearted approach to the game certainly appeals. Comedy aside though, Johns is one of the deepest thinkers in the game and he should be listened to more carefully by NRL headquarters.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I agree.
Shadow
Roar Rookie
The sad thing is how easily we can pick the not so great nrl media personalities: Rothfield Wilson Ray Hadley Danny Wiedler Beau Ryan (he is not the least bit funny) Basically everyone on that conference table which they call the footy show nowadays
Shadow
Roar Rookie
People ask why ratings were down? Look no further than Channel 9. I can not stand Ray Hadley so I mute and play music instead. There is no acting-half he is DUMMY HALF!! Wally is the greatest gibberer of all time. He makes these long statements but if you listen to what he says you would know he made no contribution whatsoever
Shadow
Roar Rookie
Listening to the rush hour, I tend to find Rabs takes offence really easily and becomes argumentative far too often. Probably because he is getting on now but thats really not what I want to hear when Im stuck in traffic after work!
Robert Peel
Guest
Storm boy what do you want? Fairytales? Hans Christian Anderson doesn't write news stories for the NRL. Nor should he.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Touche!
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Have to disagree with you there coops. I have a friend who was a victim of domestic violence so I actually applaud his stance. I believe it shows character. It may be his job, but a job shouldn't get in the way of one's morals.
Djcooper
Guest
Ha
Djcooper
Guest
Better get use to Ennis because he is pushing for a full time gig on fox as soon as he retires.
Djcooper
Guest
My biggest gripe regarding Hadley (apart from his boring and uninspired call) is that he has forgotten what he is there for. His role is to call the football and leave the analysis to the former players in the box with him. I can't stand it when he constantly criticises players even though he would never have laced a boot in his life.
Djcooper
Guest
Have to agree regarding Mascord. Very knowledgable and approachable as well.
Djcooper
Guest
Perhaps an oversite on my behalf rossco because I agree Shannon Byrne does do a great job. Although Wok is getting on a bit I do still enjoy his insite into the game and think that they have a good chemistry on the ABC.
Djcooper
Guest
I thought Wally was struggling there for a bit BA but after hearing him at an origin launch last year it was like something clicked. He realised that he is a QLD origin legend and the crowd sort of expects him to show his bias and won't begrudge him for trying to even out the commentary.
Robert Peel
Guest
Just because someone is older doesn't mean they are out of touch. Ryan and Masters have plenty of experience from a long involvement in the game and they relate perspectives that few have, especially the ones that have always been watching from grandstands or loungerooms. I suppose that's why present day coaches like Bellamy and Daley consult people like Masters, a former top coach, current respected journalist, and author, and get them along to training to give their teams speeches during camps. I'm sure the current players would rather hear from Ryan and Masters than some out-of-touch fan with no practical involvement in the game.
Djcooper
Guest
I find Dan Ginnane's call pretty good as well Epiquin but I wasn't too impressed with the stance he took regarding the Lui matter. His job is to call the football and not push his moral views on triple M listeners.
BA Sports
Guest
Or Michael Ennis's favourite.. "We were just unpaitent"
Will
Guest
+ 1
Brad. H
Guest
You made no mention of the greatest commentary team bar none ... Roy and H.G. ;-)
Pete75
Guest
Good list! I'd have to include Phil Gould. I know he can be annoying, effusive and sometimes downright wide of the mark, but his passion and knowledge of the game are unmistakeable. Can we do a list of the five worst? Ray Warren - More interested in complaining about "funny" names, Phil Gould's gentle needling and promoting gambling and racing than serious commentary these days. His fading work ethic is accompanied by his fading rugby league insight. Ray Hadley - A perfect head for radio. Television really doesn't suit his call where he spends three quarters of the time describing that which can be seen on the screen. Like Ray Warren, provides little insight. "Shirvo" - Whose idea was it to give this guy a gig in Rugby League commentary, let alone an entire show? Whilst there are many people who have proven that you don't need to have played the game to have an excellent grasp of it, "Shirvo" is not one of them. Phil "Buzz" Rothfield - Not got a story? Nevermind! Phil has an "anonymous source" who knows the inside workings of the entire NRL! In reality he has a number of player manager contacts who are all to happy to give him a line to bump up their client's market value come contract time, and very little respect amongst players and administrators. Warren Ryan - Sorry Wok, the world has passed you by.
Johnno
Guest
Roy Masters, is old he's out of touch with the modern game. Same with Warren Ryan.