Channel Nine’s commentary team has officially hit an all-time low. I am particularly referencing Phil Gould’s disgusting, traitorous behaviour – but more on that later.
The key to good commentary is impartiality and a mix of personality thrown in for good measure – and of course presenting the match accurately and excitingly. For this reason I believe Fox Sports provides superior coverage of the NRL to Channel Nine.
Warren Smith is the game’s finest commentator with Andrew Voss coming in third despite his unique (unusual) commentary style.
Firstly, the legendary Ray Warren (second) continues to sound less and less sharp per season. His calls are still excellent and he still commands good knowledge of the game, but he has been surpassed by Smith. Were it not for his heavenly voice he might not still be doing the rounds.
Secondly, what about the supporting cast? I’m going to take a stab at the wardrobe department ensemble first and foremost.
Cameron Williams (or whoever he is – and why is he involved in football broadcasting exactly for that matter?) seems to have nearly zero knowledge of the game at hand at any given time. Every Friday night this becomes apparent.
I can live with Matt Shirvington being an NRL Fox host given he seems to have a legitimate interest in the game and clearly does his research.
Williams and his navy blue/black tie leaves me questioning was he supposed to be a Blues proponent or a beacon of journalistic impartiality?
I’m aware that a tie seems like a pretty small thing to fixate upon but have a good look at Peter Sterling’s ensemble.
He wore a salmon/red tie on Origin night. One of the Blues’ greatest ever players and of all the nights to wear a reddish tie he (or wardrobe) chooses Origin night. What we were presented with at game’s end was Paul Vautin in a deep red tie and Wally Lewis in a maroon tie with Sterling in the middle wearing red.
I could live with that provided Sterling didn’t seem to have a pro-Queensland agenda for the majority of the night. Which brings me to ‘Gus’ Gould.
Has he gone off the deep end?
Last week he publicly lambasted Blues legend and present captain Paul Gallen, stating that he is “not needed” and is “past it”. Gallen has consistently been one of NSW’s best players for the past five series and last night again proved his worth.
This whole fiasco is made even more bizarre given Gus’ previous praise for Gallen and the fact that he is NSW’s most successful coach of all time.
Gus’ commentary last night was appalling. Time and again, even when clearly in the wrong, he sided with the Maroons and decisions that would favour the Maroons.
Firstly I’d like to address the demeanour of some of Gus’ comments. A small issue perhaps but it represented a continual undertone throughout the match.
At one point NSW received a penalty for a clear offside, which Gus described as ‘lucky’. Given the complaints in Origin One and the general crackdown we witnessed in Origin Two enforcement of the ten metre rule was paramount and all and sundry witnessing the match were acutely aware of this fact.
A commentator’s very role is to represent the match through their voice; a man with Gus’ experience should be able to select any number of words more appropriate than ‘lucky’ to describe a routine penalty. Of course there were a litany of other examples that undermined the NSW effort throughout the course of the match but I am getting bogged down.
Secondly the no try ruling to Greg Inglis was correct. Michael Morgan played at and stripped the ball – it went backwards, play on. Nate Myles in attempting to wrap around the torso hits the ball with his hand, the ball dropping slightly forward to the ground – accidental contact can be ruled play on.
Inglis then comes from an offside position based on Myles’ contact with the ball to pick it up, thus constituting offside – no try.
Not one member of the supposed expert commentary team actually explained this as the no try ruling, choosing to purely focus on Morgan’s strip. Instead of actually supplying some intelligent comment to the decision, Gus decided to spout off one of his loveable catch phrases: “No, no, no, no.” He then proceeded to continually state “that’s a try”, as opposed to actually giving us a reason why the try should have stood.
Gus seems to have become a caricature of himself. His focus has shifted from providing intelligent analysis of the game and instead relying on his favourite quips, unnecessary and frankly stupid banter with Ray Warren, complaining about the length of time it takes to make video referring decisions, and attempting to be controversial even if it means clearly being in the wrong.
Ultimately I blame Channel Nine and the broadcast deal for things such as the Gus Gould anomaly. With the amount of money now at stake, airing a match has become less about coverage and more about presenting a piece of entertainment.
That includes assigning roles to certain people. Brad Fittler is the loveable clown and Brett Finch is his sidekick. Every member of the panel has been given the memo to hype and glorify the game as much as humanly possible.
The amount of times I have heard the word “freakish” used in Channel Nine broadcasts this year along with the use of the phrase “the game has evolved” is insane. If I am being purely honest this season of NRL save for a few extraordinary moments – Kevin Naiqama against the Dogs for example – has been one of the most boring in recent memory.
The game now relies on structure upon structure and rehearsed play upon rehearsed play, throwing creativity nearly completely out of the equation. Sadly, that mimics the commentary that assists, as was evidenced last night.
Frank MacDonough
Guest
Will Ray Warren please cease giiving us a history lesson at each State Of origin game and for goodness sake please stop talking constantly about "metres from the line" and give us real commentary about the game . Maybe he should listen to the guy who does the Rugby test games.
Bob petrie
Guest
Darren lockery and brad fittler are the worst commentators around, honestly how boring are they!
Keith
Guest
Channel Nine have a good NRL commentary team but why, oh why, do they allow someone like Gus Gould chip his 10 cents in. He has raised stating the obvious to an art form. He is an embarrassment to Ray Warren et al.
Dave Bourke
Guest
I got to the stage last year that if Gould was commentating , I endured the radio delay rather than listen to his arrogant pontificating and snide criticisms especially when Qld teams are involved. It is shame because the rest of the 9 callers are usually pretty fair with their calls....for me the jury is still out on Gould's protege Brad Fitler
Bruce Butler
Guest
I watched the friday night game and again footy show Sunday morning then the sunday arvo game my question is who the hell is the new number one presenter what is wrong with the ex players on panel getting the lead roll, has this new bloke ever played at any level I'm probably uninformed about him but just dont see the need for new blood and I don't like him any way.
Chris white
Guest
How true is the statement Phil gould is totally inappriate as a commentator biased that happens with the commentary. When are they going to realise they are no lion ger Firstly he is baised and lacks vision about the game and secondly he is just a an irrelevant commentaor or observer because he offers nothing unless it is about NSW I recommend he be retired to an old peoples home where no one will remenber the rubbish that comes out of his mouth Also you get sick of the NSW bias and when will all the Channel 9 commentators realise that NSWis no longer the premier state of rugby league but a poor relation relation now since they can not dictate the system any more
Bob McLaren
Guest
I will no longer listen to Channel nine commentary when Gus Gould and Brad Fitler are involved. There are far more intelligent commentators on the radio. Furthermore, I do not believe Andrew Johns should be allowed to keep any of his awards or be allowed to commentate after his admissions of what he did while a player. If it were another sport, he would be banished forever.
Dave Bourke
Guest
It is unbelievable that the rugby league commentary team has access to 3 legends of the game, yet Aussie and international fans of rugby league are subjected to the biased, one sided ramblings of a nondescript player and buller, Gus Gould. Every year we have to put up with him during State of Origin, internationals and most top level club games pontificating his views of what our game should be....Please give us some respite from this egotistical " non" legend and replace him with the wonderful legendary commentators that you have access to..I will be tuning into radio until this bloke has got the chop...Dave Bourke
Don Cook
Guest
When is channel 9 going to train their commentators to broadcast with comments that show they are knowledgeable. I heard Andrew Johns say tonight before the 2nd half started that the Sharks would score 30 points on the storm in the 2nd half. What a stupid unfounded no thought comment.You would not think he was a former international. Gus was the same you could tell from the word go he wanted the sharks to win & so did I but when he gets in that sort of mood he looses his ability to commentate properly I have heard from so many people that they watch the games on Fox now and I thought I would drop you a quick email as I have always listened to and watched the Rugby League on nine. I have not mentioned Fittler because he should not be a commentator. Don Cook
Allan Harper
Guest
Gus Gould needs to be taken off commentary immediately for his one sided comments he keeps making towards his favorite team. Commentators are suppose to be equal to both teams without voicing there personal opinions. Lets have commentators that treat the game equally, not being one sided. He is far to old and shouldn't be there to start with. Give the Cowboys the respect they deserve...
Nick
Guest
You know the "mute" button on the TV remote. In our house we call it the Guss button !
Francine Austin
Guest
I am so glad to hear, someone else sees what I see, I am so over Phil Gould and his negativity, I think he is the only one that likes the sound of his own voice. He comes across as someone who is full of wisdom but I think he is full of it.
Maureen Cameron
Guest
Checking
Maureen Cameron
Guest
Oh one thing I did not mention. How come Alfie Langer was allowed to stay on field with his towel behind the Bronkos for end of second half. The whole time he was like an extra man filling a gap and adding strength in being there unchallenged. NOT A MENTION from Ray or rest of team???Not acceptable and unfare
Maureen Cameron
Guest
I am frustrated listening to the so call experts on the commentary team. Ray Warren does not STOP TALKING all through the game. He does not follow the play just on and on about statistics as if it's all about him. Phil Gould is such a bore and they also show who the are urging to win Experts every time it goes to video ref and they try and slant every decision. Please please Ray try and shut it with all your rambling. We just want to follow what's happening NOW and try and not be the total voice of authority I put mute on but now rather Sky for a rest from that voice. Sorry Ray it's too much?
Harry
Guest
In all this I don't see a mention of our so-called "immortal". On Thursday 13/8 before the Souths v Cowboys game he said along the lines of "Opposition teams need to kick to Inglis' left side so that he carries the ball in the left hand, thus eliminating his very effective fend" Did I hear right? What is he on? Our commentators should be role models for viewers (especially young ones), and this "immortal" fails on every count, with his history off the field.
John hollins
Guest
Just watching the Broncos v West tigers and cannot believe the number of players missed called by Rsy Warren. Keeps getting the names wrong almost as if he's under the influence of something. Whilst we are at it please can Gould stop referring to the veterans of Broncos and Qld as old. He should remember what happened the last time he kept that nonsense up with a total thrashing of his beloved blues. Perhaps we might be better with some younger commentary faces with fresher voices and better eyesight.
chris hall
Guest
very nauseating listening to sterling, warren & gould sucking up to all things qld. is this how they get their rocks off. sterling born in qld? if true he needs to go back there real quick.
JK
Guest
Why is Guss still commentating, and why is the entire commentary team muzzled not to say what they see which fans see!!!???? What about inside 10.... What about the at the ball before the Inglis try.... What about those soft penalties!!!!???
Rennie
Guest
Andrew Moore is now commentating for ABC Grandstand radio, no longer with 2GB's Continuous Call Team.