Saint, Sinner, Shoosh: Peter V’landys seriously considers grand final kickoff change
NRL night grand finals could be scrapped after two decades following soaring afternoon TV ratings and fan support. Saint, Sinner, Shoosh reveals a daytime decider culd be slated for 2028.
The NRL is finally coming around to the idea of an afternoon grand final on the back of an avalanche of support from fans and record breaking television ratings.
Independent commission chairman Peter V’landys says he is now prepared to make the kick-off time part of upcoming negotiations with TV networks for the next broadcast deal.
It means we could get an afternoon grand final for 2028, the first year of a new TV deal.
The last time the NRL ran with an afternoon decider at Homebush was in 2000 - just prior to the Sydney Olympics - when the Brisbane Broncos beat the Sydney Roosters 14-6.
“The commission has shown over the years that it is prepared to make decisions to the benefit of our fans,” V’landys said.
A midweek
poll by this masthead revealed 93 per cent of footy supporters favoured scrapping night-time grand finals.
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NRL 2000 GF Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters - Stadium Aust
“Right now we have a broadcast agreement that requires us to play the grand final at night,” V’landys said.
“However, it is something we can discuss in negotiations for the next broadcast deal.
“We would also have to consult all major stakeholders.
“Sunday afternoon finals football has been a huge success with record TV ratings.
“Last weekend alone our numbers were up 34 per cent in Australia and New Zealand.”
The 3pm or 4pm kick-off would be a massive victory for fans.
And also a win for Channel 9 considering the
huge ratings this year for Sunday afternoon games during the finals.
Sunday’s Broncos v Penrith blockbuster is again tipped to break all-time viewership records, especially in New Zealand in a more viewer friendly time slot.
It also has support from government heavyweights in that it would be a huge boost for NSW tourism.
Rather than fans heading straight home after 11pm, fans would fill restaurants and bars across the city once they leave the venue.
SINNER
Who on earth decided it was a good idea to schedule the NSW Cup grand final on Sunday between St George Illawarra and the Warriors
on the same afternoon as the Panthers v Broncos NRL blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium. The NSW Cup kicks off at 3.15pm at CommBank Stadium and the NRL at 4pm.
SHOOSH
Luke Keary won’t be joining the Newcastle Knights’ coaching staff under Justin Holbrook. He remains close to Roosters coach Trent Robinson and chairman Nick Politis and is talking to them about taking on a role at his old club.
SPOTTED
Parramatta Eels winger Zac Lomax is off the market. The Blues Origin star has gone Instagram official with new partner Emily Kayla. And don’t they just look a happy and loved-up couple.
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Zac Lomax’s new partner, Emily Kayla.
SPOTTED
An advert for tickets to England v Kangaroos at Wembley on October 25 at Vauxhall tube station in London.
MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS
Two coaches have left Pacific Sports Management - the company run by
long-time agents Chris and Gavin Orr.
From here on, Jason Demetriou and Brad Arthur will be doing their own business.
Arthur has extended his deal at Leeds in the UK Super League and Demetriou has been appointed coach of the London Broncos. He will be back in 2028 to coach PNG for its entry into the NRL.
PANTHERS’ DOING NUMBER ON RIVALS
No wonder the Penrith Panthers keep on winning premierships despite losing star players.
Check out these participation numbers in comparison to rivals.
The Panthers had
9770 registered players in their junior nursery this year - compared to Sydney Roosters with just 636. That is not a misprint – just 636.
St George’s junior rugby league has only 1818 and Manly 2914.
Cronulla juniors are No.2 to the Panthers with 6274 participants, but still a long way short of 9770.
Parramatta Eels are
third with 5644 registrations.
Penrith’s dominance starts from four-year-olds through to A-Grade.
And the numbers are growing not on the back of the unprecedented interest and excitement from playing in five-straight grand finals.
FANS FLOG GUSTIFICATION
Phil Gould has come under fire for his appearance on 100% Footy last week in which he attacked the media’s coverage of the Bulldogs’ season of self-destruction.
There is one thing I have learnt over a long period of time – never treat your audience like mugs.
Check out the reader comments on
Brent Read’s story of Gus trying to justify coach Cameron Ciraldo’s sackings of Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney for Lachlan Galvin and Bailey Hayward.
The great man cops a barrage from fans.
“The heart of the issue is that Gus and Ciraldo blew it and they are now trying to bluster their way through the train wreck at the end of the season.”
“Whatever way you look at it, they were disastrous calls and destabilised the Dogs season. Fact.”
“It’s embarrassing that Gus and Ciraldo haven’t taken ownership of their huge mistake. Out in straight sets.”
“Gus shifting the blame - funny game rugby league, funny game.”
“Typical Gould spin and whining.”
“Gus can’t sugar coat this one.”
“How about you just say we got it horribly wrong.”
“One thing about Gus, he’s never wrong. Just ask him.”
“If he’s (Galvin) never played halfback before, why would you ask him to do it, at a brand-new club, mid-season.”
“Unfortunately for Canterbury the ego of Gould was too big to realise the mistake they made by destroying a winning culture they had going.”
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