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Rating the NRL commentators

21st September, 2018
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21st September, 2018
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During the season, both Fox league and Channel 9 have extensive coverage of the NRL. They have a number of experts and commentators who cover the games and provide expert opinions usually in a panel format.

As they cover a large viewing audience I have decided to give you my opinion on a number of them and how they do their job.

FOX
The main face of the Fox League coverage is NRL 360. This is anchored by ex-Queensland player Ben Ikin and journalist Paul Kent. It has a format borrowed from the AFL show Fox Footy and covers rugby league news stories. The show is repeated several times in the evening and often introduces guests and other panel features such as Controversy Corner.

Ben looks like a chartered accountant but thinks like a footballer and, like a good anchor, steadies the ship when it goes off course. His vocabulary is extensive and always makes sense. He is the League’s Gerard Whately and handles the role well.

Paul Kent looks at the issues in a very different way. He is a passionate boxing fan and as a long time journalist with extensive contacts in the game of rugby league and seems to have sources close to or at the top.

He has forthright opinions and, unlike Mark Robinson at his cousin show, seems to express them clearly. He has avoided a veteran’s cynicism and is always worth listening to.

michael-ennis-cronulla-sharks-nrl-rugby-league-grand-final-2016

Michael Ennis has turned out to be a surprisingly good commentator (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Andrew Voss is a delight. Keen, enthusiastic and with a brilliant turn of phrase. Whether as a commentator or interviewing a player or some wacky bystander, Vossy is great value and always worth listening to. I think he is the best allrounder in both the AFL and NRL.

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Finally, in the regular match day panel, Michael Ennis, who was a brassy aggressive hooker until his retirement last year, brings these qualities to the screen. He has quickly made a name for himself as a solid believable analyst. He is the find of the year.

Channel 9
Peter Sterling was always going to be a great analyst. Half backs seem to have insight, great turn of phrase and an innate ability to understand the game and its players. Sterlo has all of that.

Take him off the dumb Footy Show and he has shone. He anchors the Sunday Footy Show with humour and class; Channel 9 struck it rich with him.

I think Allana Ferguson is one of the most articulate intelligent analysts to appear on the screen. As a Jillaroo, she understands the game, its tactics and the players. Her opinions are clearly expressed and always worth listening too. I think she could be a great general sport analyst.

We are coming to the end, but we must mention two of the best.

Phil Gould is a living legend as coach and a player, up there with Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy. But today his main claim to fame is an analyst and a person who not only understands Rugby League, but can clearly express his opinions.

Phil Gould talks with Peter Wallace on the field.

Phil Gould is a great analyst. (Photo: Tony Feder/Getty Images)

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Sometimes a little overbearing like my old headmaster, his comments demand attention and are usually correct. I am not sure the removal of Anthony Griffin as Penrith Coach was his finest hour, but time will tell.

Now the best. Brad Fittler was, as a teenager, the golden boy destined for greatness. He has achieved it and maybe one day may be an immortal. He coached NSW to a State of Origin win in 2018.

If this was not enough, as a commentator and analyst – he is outstanding. Humorous, fair and knowledgeable, he has the talent of making every interview look friendly and sound easy.

He is the best new television talent in years.

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