2024 FW3 Sat - Penrith 26-6 Cronulla @ Accor

[Chins get the wins]

I think the truth is probably somewhere in the middle? I agree, prime time will likely rate better but I don't think casual viewers make that much of a difference.

For Nine, I think they like the fact they can start the day with a Footy Show earlier in the day, roll right though prime time with the footy and then basically straight into late night who gives a f**k programming. An arvo grand final puts the early games on before most people are settling in for the GF day, and leaves them with prime time to fill too.

They normally have like a 4 hour gap between the State Cup and the NRL. It's ridiculous