Another NRL season, another prime time TV bonanza for Brisbane.
And NRL CEO Todd Greenberg is making no apologies.
The Broncos were again one of the big winners on Thursday as the 2017 draw was unveiled.
In what has been a sore point for rivals for years, Brisbane received the lion’s share of TV games.
The Broncos play on Thursday or Friday night in 10 of the first 11 rounds next year.
Greenberg defended Brisbane’s dream schedule, saying it was what the TV sponsors wanted.
“Our broadcast partners pay significant premiums and, rightfully under this model, they have the ability to choose certain games and the Broncos are very valuable for them,” he said.
“So we understand that.”
Rival clubs might not be so understanding after Brisbane received six Thursday, seven Friday and five Saturday night games next season.
They have just one five-day turnaround in the first 20 rounds.
But Greenberg insisted Brisbane didn’t get all of their draw demands.
“It would be fair to say, if you ask the Broncos, they would like to play more Sunday afternoon football but it’s hard to make everyone happy,” he said.
Brisbane CEO Paul White sounded happy after the 2017 draw.
The Broncos open the season away against defending champions Cronulla before their first home game – a derby blockbuster on March 10 against North Queensland.
“We have not had the Cowboys as the first home match of the season since 2014,” White said in a statement.
“Considering the fantastic contests we have had over the last year or two, we deemed it imperative to make it our first home game of the 2017 season.
“The first two months of the season will be full of huge blockbusters against top-rated teams, which is a huge win for our members and supporters.”
Brisbane next season face four teams who finished higher than them in 2016 plus finalists Canterbury in the first five weeks.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
That's the only reason why I have a Foxtel subscription Turbo.Its the only way I can get to see the Raiders play away from home plus I don't have to listen to the inane commentary of Fittler, Lockyer, Rabs etc on Nine. Nothing will change until they stop the Broncos monopoly of Brisbane and that doesn't seem likely with the current blinkered NRL administration.
Stu
Guest
The Broncos supporters (members) I know would much prefer a Sunday afternoon game. This is purely TV ratings. If we look at the Broncos, they are basically the QLD origin team - so the rest of Australia is watching to see them lose!
AR
Guest
This farce is shameful - every year, the same thing. And this year there are 6pm Friday night games - so much for looking to boost crowds by making it easier for fans to attend matches. We all know that television runs the NRL, but this is honestly ridiculous.
BigJ
Roar Guru
That is very true a trip from Mackay and cairns are about 800 km round trip, Mount Isa is about 1500 or 1600 km. But having said that a Friday night game v the broncos or the Titans are always a sellout. So Townsville has plenty of local fans to fill the stadium without travellers
Jara W
Guest
So can Broncos fans broker the same direct payment in this proposed shake up turbo? That's only fair right?
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Good point, sponsors will pull out of negotiations with clubs if they see next to no chance of prime time fri night games for there product,
turbodewd
Roar Guru
WHAT A JOKE. What is the point of a salary cap if the Broncos get this huge legup! This is insane. Absolutely ridiculous. Seriously, i cannot wait for the RAiders to break free of this rancid NRL. The Raiders should have their OWN TV deal. Ill pay them direct. Livid.
Chook
Guest
What surprises me most is that Penrith got 1. I wonder if that was an oversight when Gus did the draw
Chook
Guest
If there is a game in 2018.....
Squidward
Roar Rookie
What annoys me is that the broncos get more popular because they're on good slots on nine and they're popular because they're on good slots on nine. It's a vicious cycle that doesn't stop or help anyone else but Brisbane
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
it changes in 2018
Paul Shuttleworth
Roar Rookie
Your explanation disappoints me as its clear you/the game are bought by the sponsor whereas the AFL believes, as I do, we own the product and they bid for the rights to televise it NOT dictate the draw. Once again we are lead by poor management skills. What about the real owners of the sport, the supporters they seem to be neglected again. The media report that the chairman is gone so maybe our CEO should go as well.
steve
Guest
Two simple reasons. For the Broncos, its about TV ratings. Always has been. The Broncos rate on TV whether they are winning or not. For the record, year after year, the Broncos ask for Sunday afternoon games, always have done, now even next year they have none. For the Cowboys, Friday nights aren't suitable for their supporters, a lot who travel long distances from country areas simply cant make Friday night games. Whereas Saturday night games allow them to travel before the game, stay in Townsville on Saturday nights and travel long distances home on Sunday's.
Fix the scrums
Guest
The NRL may as well have just come out and said " You are right everybody, the competition is rigged. We don't believe in making things fair ".
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Iam happy with being hated by Channel 9... besides if you actually supported the Cowboys you would realise they ask for Saturday games as a priority
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
The NRL are contractually bound by Channel Nine.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Got to keep those Brisbane mob happy for some stupid reason the Broncos have not been a formidable force in the Comp for a while now. Yes they made the gf in 2015 but they have dropped off since they aren't even the best qld team anymore cowboys are so why can't they get more Friday night games ??? Answer cause Ray warren, Gould, johns and fitler don't like North Queensland, simple
Mike from tari
Guest
Seeing as though the TV rights are owners of the Broncos, what do you expect.