Canberra chief executive Don Furner has expressed his frustration at the Raiders’ continued snub by the Nine Network after his NRL club were overlooked for free-to-air coverage in the run-in to the finals.
The NRL released its draw for the last six rounds of the regular season on Thursday – the allocation of games once again highlighting the difference between the haves and have-nots of the competition.
The Raiders and Cronulla – both well in the hunt for a finals berth – failed to secure one free-to-air match over the closing six rounds.
As has become custom in recent years, Brisbane were again well received by the Nine Network, with their final six games all on free-to-air.
Even last-placed Parramatta fared well, with four of their last six games on Channel Nine.
Clubs like the Raiders and the Sharks, both above the Broncos on the ladder and the latter still without a major sponsor – crave the exposure free-to-air coverage brings.
But both have been somewhat of the ugly ducklings in relation to the Nine Network’s selection of matches to telecast in recent years.
“Certainly, once again, disappointed not to get some more Channel Nine games,” Furner said.
Asked how it impacted the club’s bottom line, Furner said:
“There’s not a direct correlation but certainly the sponsors and in particular the major sponsors want to see more coverage on Channel Nine.
“Without a doubt you get your brand out there and you get more followers down the track if they can watch you on free-to-air.
“Free-to-air everybody’s got – it would be good if we got on there more.”
For the first time in over a decade, Saturday afternoon matches will make a fleeting return to the NRL, with St George Illawarra (round 24 and 26) and Canberra (round 23) to host the 3pm kick-offs.
Saturday afternoon games haven’t been a regular feature in the NRL draw since the late 1990s.
Ladder-leaders South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters will clash in the final Friday night game of the regular season, in what could be a fight for the minor premiership – possibly the Rabbitohs first in 24 years.
Souths will also feature in Friday night blockbusters against Manly (round 23) and Canterbury (round 24).
The NRL said the inclusion of Saturday afternoon games was a way of attracting families in the build-up to the finals series – not a trial for next season.
“At this stage we are not considering making Saturday afternoon football an ongoing part of the NRL match schedule,” general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk said in a statement.
“There is, however, a curiosity both on our part and of our broadcasters to see how fans responds to the time-slot, both in terms of game-day attendance and TV ratings.”