A storm breaks out following the refusal of the Channel 9 club for the first round
A hubbub has reportedly erupted with reports that Canberra and Newcastle have been snubbed by Channel 9 for the first round of the 2024 NRL season.
The drama is still swirling behind the scenes as the league prepares to announce the full draw for the 2024 season on Monday.
News Corp. first reported that Nine raised concerns with the NRL on Thursday, with the free-to-air broadcast partner seeking a late change to the match to kick the Raiders and Knights out of Thursday night’s blockbuster first-round match.
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The report shows there was pressure for the playoff final replay to be moved to a different time slot and for the western Sydney clash between Canterbury and Parramatta to be rescheduled for Thursday night’s game – which will be the first match played of the season. on Australian soil.
The season will open with the Las Vegas Experience which will see two matches played in the gaming capital of the world.
The Broncos are set to face the Roosters and South Sydney will face Manly in both matches in Las Vegas – the week before Thursday night’s match suddenly turned into a storm.
Canberra weather reports the NRL should listen to Channel 9’s request.
The late drama reportedly led to a planned meeting between Canberra officials and NRL officials – in which they were going to discuss matches for the 2024 season – being postponed until the last minute.
According to News Corp, several clubs have had their scheduled league fixtures postponed due to uncertainty surrounding the first round draw.
Australian Brent Read said on Thursday afternoon the NRL was not happy that the proposed round one fixture had been leaked before it had been approved by all the game’s key stakeholders.
“We have to be a bit careful because it’s just a draw,” Read said on Triple M.
“I don’t think it needed to be made public yet, and the NRL had held meetings with many clubs today and tomorrow to discuss their home games with them.
“It is my understanding that these meetings today have now been canceled and pushed back to tomorrow, so don’t be surprised if there are any late changes to this draw as the NRL are not happy that he’s out.”
First round draft meeting
According to News Corp.the season’s opening round was supposed to look like this before Channel 9’s late request.
Sunday March 3:
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Sea Eagles, Las Vegas
Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters, Las Vegas
Thursday March 7:
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders
Friday March 8: New Zealand Warriors v Cronulla Sharks
Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers
Saturday March 9:
Parramatta Eels v Canterbury Bulldogs
Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Sunday March 10: The Dolphins versus the North Queensland Cowboys.
Bye: West Tigers
