The NRL’s reworked rights deal means fans will be denied the chance to watch Sonny Bill Williams’ return on free-to-air TV.
Williams is set to play his first NRL game since 2013 for the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night, in what is the most-anticipated return to the sport in years.
His comeback coincides with a grand final rematch, with Canberra and the Roosters both vying for a crucial top-four spot.
Under the previous deal, the Nine Network had the rights to simulcast the 7:30pm Saturday night timeslot in the last five rounds before the finals..
However with the shorter 2020 season, that agreement was removed for this year as part of a process that also saw broadcasters have a bigger say on scheduling.
“The last five Saturday night matches of the season have been relinquished by Nine for 2020,” a Nine Network spokesman told AAP.
“This formed part of the negotiation of the revised 20 round season for this year only.
“Nine will continue to simulcast the last five Saturday night matches for the remaining years of the current deal in 2021 and 2022.”
Williams’ return could have been a ratings bonanza, with intense hype and interest around the dual international since speculation of his comeback began in July.
Around 833,000 people tuned in for the initial grand final rematch across both Nine and Fox League in June.
Canberra’s first release of 1500 tickets were snapped up by members in 20 minutes on Monday afternoon.
The Raiders are still lobbying government the government for an increased crowd figure of 6000 or even 12,000 given the interest in the match.
Williams’ Roosters are scheduled to play at 7:30pm on Saturday nights in round 18 and 19 as well, which will now also remain exclusive to Fox.
Meanwhile the loss of free-to-air status for the timeslot comes as another blow to the Raiders.
The Canberra club received just three games on free-to-air this year – the equal-third least in the NRL – and they have not been on Nine since round 10.
That comes despite reaching last year’s grand final, and originally being handed eight free-to-air games in the initial 25-round draw released last year.
The club is on the hunt for a new major sponsor, with Huawei reducing their commitment due to the “continued negative business environment”.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
But I thought he was already knackered.
Larry1950
Guest
Buck would be hoping V'Landys has stepped up integrity to protect him from the knackery!
Larry1950
Guest
Not when the entree of union international & GF winner Ben Te'o at the broncos has been sensationally underwhelming. How much can these guys wring out of a fading career?
haha Yep its been some of the best matches this year...Seeing the Bronco's play the Roosters twice has been awesome...Conceeded over 100 points in those 2 matches LOL...
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Hope he's isolating at the stud farm. Bit tempting for him though.
Nat
Roar Rookie
The old fella would be fat as a house somewhere. Even without COVID he wouldn't be doing too may laps.
Big Daddy
Guest
The problem with Brisbane is that Buck is probably not getting a run due to COVID. The Broncos don't know what to do without him.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
That’s a pretty low bar to cross for Fox.. 9 is tortuous
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Channel 9 have totally blown this seasons coverage. Poor Broncos fans having to watch their side get smashed in prime time so many times wouldn’t have been good for the soul. Some of the choices for Sunday arvo have likewise been less than inspirational featuring similarly underperforming sides.
Tony
Roar Guru
Anasta is embarrassing at times. Fortunately he never tried his hand at coaching.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Haven't watched 9 in years, except when I'm forced to for Origin and the GF. Their coverage is stale and unprofessional. Fox Sports is better and although they have some duds in Blocker and Anasta it's still vastly superior.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
They sure have, and their(Nine's) commentary team at times are exciting as odd horses. You can blame both the Bronco's poor performances and the ordinary Nine coverage for their ratings drop. I'll say one thing for ch Seven, they know how to promote and show sports.
Bob
Guest
Why should it be on a Thursday or friday? Much prefer my footy on Saturdays and sundays.
Walter Black
Guest
Quite frankly, I have enjoyed watching Broncos matches this season. I don't wish them any long term harm but I feel that this humiliation is just what they needed. The icing on the cake would be watching the Bulldogs win all their remaining games this season. Cruel ain't I.
Paul
Roar Guru
the Doggies have to be a good chance to beat the Titans this week and with their points differential ( -174) versus the Broncos (-301), it should mean the spoon travels north this season.
Big Daddy
Guest
No one in particular, it's a replay of the replay. They've already met once this year.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Paul, the ratings bonanza is watching the broncos get their first wooden spoon. Enthralling entertainment. Just need the doggies to get up just once.
Nick
Roar Guru
Which conspiracy website did you pull that from?
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
The 15th placed Broncos will end up with all but 5 games on FTA - And lets face it, if they didn't play the Titans twice that number would be even less.... Only Broncos games not on FTA: Titans (twice) Warriors Raiders Bulldogs....
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Most of channel Nines decisions probably come out of Melbourne.