MEDIA RELEASE
Round 25 of the Telstra Premiership will see the move to a 7.00pm Sunday Night Football match which may well decide the 2007 Minor Premiership.
Fox Sports and the NRL today agreed that despite the record success of Bundy Monday Night Football, that a Sunday night conclusion to round 25 would give all teams the best build up to the Telstra Premiership Finals.
The move followed a number of difficulties in allocating a Monday night match that would not adversely affect the finals preparations of the teams.
It has also guaranteed Fox Sports a Sunday night of blockbuster sports programming.
“This is a positive outcome all round,” NRL Chief Executive Mr David Gallop said.
“Fox Sports have seen the difficulties in filling the Monday night programme and they have agreed to allow the Melbourne v Titans game to move to Sunday evening.
“We’ve received a lot of support from all our broadcast partners.
“We certainly appreciate the flexibility that has been shown by all parties and we’re confident it will also provide Melbourne fans with a real opportunity to see the closing stage of the race to confirm the ‘final eight’.”
Melbourne Storm Chief Executive, Mr Brian Waldron, today welcomed the move.
“It’s going to give all Melbourne sports fans a special opportunity to cheer their team into the finals,” he said.
“At the same time it gives all clubs the best preparation for the big matches the following week.
“It’s a really proactive decision and one for which Fox Sports should be congratulated.”
Fox Sports today explained that it had been keen to ensure the best possible finish to the minor premiership race.
“This decision was made in the best interests of everyone involved in the game including the fans and the eight teams that will qualify for the Finals Series,” Fox Sports Chief Executive David Malone explained. “Monday Night Football has been a great success in 2007 with strong support from clubs, fans and the NRL and will continue to be part of the landscape in the coming years.”
The full draw for round 25 is:
Friday 31 August, 2007
Cowboys Vs Bulldogs Dairy Farmers Stadium 7.30pm (Ch 9)
Wests Tigers Vs Knights Telstra Stadium 7.30pm (Ch 9)
Saturday 1 September, 2007
Rabbitohs Vs Roosters Telstra Stadium 5.30pm (Fox Live)
Raiders Vs Sharks Canberra Stadium 7.30pm (Fox Live)
Panthers Vs Warriors CUA Stadium 7.30pm (Fox Live)
Sunday 2 September, 2007
Sea Eagles Vs Dragons Brookvale Oval 2.00pm (Fox Live)
Eels Vs Broncos Parramatta Stadium 3.00pm (Ch 9)
Storm Vs Titans Olympic Park 7.00pm (Fox Live)
