The lull in the competition, due to players being out, meant last Saturday Night I turned on 7mate to watch Essendon vs Richmond.
Although AFL is about a million light-years behind the NRL in terms of the game, the quality of the television presentation was far superior.
Not only was the game broadcast LIVE, but the coverage included a fun, informative pre-game show, and a comprehensive wrap up of not only the game being shown, but the day in action.
Sunday afternoon footy has a two minute pre recorded promo, the game is shown on delay, filled with ads, and we head straight to the news as soon as the siren is blown.
Friday Night footy has a twenty minute lead up, chock filled with ads, and we cut for an ad every time a try is scored, taking away the emotion of the try.
The less said about the second Friday Night game, the better…
The difference in respect shown for the game by each station is ridiculous. Now before all the bleeding hearts start, Channel 9 pay the big bucks, they can broadcast the game however they like, and I agree … but when was the last time you heard Bruce Mcavaney stop calling the play to talk about Home and Away?
I’m all for ads being shown during games, it’s how the stations make their money, and afterall, it’s all a business … BUT, to talk over live play about the Big Bag Theory or the Voice is downright insulting.
We get it, the Voice is on… Anyone who doesn’t realise the Big Bang theory is on 9 obviously doesn’t own a television, as it is shown five times per day on 9 and it’s sister station Go.
State of Origin coverage is awesome. It’s live, it’s heartfelt and it is passionate. Channel 9, when they get it right, ARE the home of rugby league … but one live game a week, with no pre show, post show … Foxsports is the home of rugby league.
Mayer The Man
Grant Mayer continues to set the standard for NRL CEO’s, at least in terms of fan interaction.
Not only has he negotiated cheap tickets, and an incredible five game membership ($45) for ANZ Stadium hosted games, but his interaction with fans on twitter is second to none.
Not every CEO has the know how, or time to interact with fans on social media, but Mayer puts the time in and comes across as approachable. It’s a great look.
Sharks Clean Out Begins
Hooker Isaac De Gois has been moved to Parramatta, effective as of Monday, while Jono Wright looks to be headed to the Bulldogs before the June 30 deadline.
It looks like the expected Sharks clean out has begun. With the unfortunate news that winger Beau Ryan has been forced into retirement due to a neck injury, that leaves the Sharks three players down from their top 25.
I’m unsure of the rules, but I’d guess that this would allow the club to elevate exciting prospects Nu Brown and Valentine Holmes to the top 25. The recently re-signed Brown makes his debut tonight, while Holmes starred for the NSW cup side.
This frees up some much needed funds for recruitment, with Michael Ennis and Tautau Moga reportedly on top of the Sharks shopping list.
Blake Ayshford has been asked to find another club for next season, while John Morris is expected to retire, and move into an off field role with the club. Bryce Gibbs is also likely to retire, while Nathan Stapleton and Michael Lichaa have found clubs for 2014.
The move is on
Centre/Wing Solution
Surely Josh Mansour has done more than enough to cement a wing spot, should Brett Morris fail to recover in time for Origin Two.
The centre position is far more open, with Will Hopoate leading the charge, to add to his blues jersey prior to his break from league.
QLD will be licking their lips at rumours Beau Scott will be moved to centre to allow Greg Bird to slot into the pack.
Leave Scott where he is, add Bird to the squad at the expense of Williams, and replace the injured Josh Morris, WITH A CENTRE!!!
No Josh Dugan, no Beau Scott, no Luke Lewis … replace a centre, with a centre.
Hoppa and Mansour for mine. Any suggestion of moving Jarryd Hayne to centre after his man of the match effort in Origin one, is surely taking the mickey.
