QRL dumps ABC TV for Channel Nine

Interesting piece here, QRL has decided to jump first, drop the ABC TV coverage of their state league (Rugby League) and get Channel Nine on side.

QRL similar to SANFL in such that was the big game in town in 1970's & 1980's then best players went to NSWRL and in 1987 that became national with Brisbane Broncos leaving QRL to a state league level.

Used to have some great clubs, my favourite the Valleys Diehards.

Will be interesting to see what ABC show Saturday afternoon in QLD in its place.




Channel 9 to Broadcast Intrust Super Cup
QRL Media
21/02/2012 5:45:00 PM

THE Intrust Super Cup’s standing as one of the leading second-tier sporting competitions in the country has been further enhanced today by confirmation that Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sports would broadcast live matches on Sundays at 2pm.

The announcement coincides with an exciting new era for the Queensland Rugby League (QRL), which has recently undergone a change of leadership and restructure.

QRL chief executive Robert Moore said the state’s governing body and the Intrust Super Cup clubs had worked side by side in a concerted effort to get the partnership with Channel Nine off the ground.

“From the clubs’ point of view, they’ve got a piece of this as much as we have got a piece,” Moore said.

“We will be able to forge a very healthy relationship on the back of it.”

Nine’s coverage will kick off with the explosive round one grand final re-match between Wynnum Manly and Tweed Heads at BMD Kougari Oval on March 11.

“This match will be a terrific contest between two strong clubs who produced a great spectacle in last year’s grand final,” Moore said.

“The fact that Channel Nine have jumped at the opportunity to broadcast the competition reinforces the Intrust Super Cup’s reputation as the best second-tier sporting competition in Australia.”

He said the new alliance with Nine could pave the way for valuable commercial opportunities, with the potential spin-offs to provide a genuine boost for the competing clubs and the game of rugby league itself.

“Although the ABC has been great for us over many years, it has been difficult having a competition sponsor who doesn’t get too much mileage out of it,” Moore said.

“One of the major benefits with the new arrangement is that we can actually commercialise elements that we previously couldn’t do with the ABC.”

Nine’s one-year deal to broadcast the state’s premier competition includes coverage of the finals series, which is set down for the opening weekend in September.

And in new ground for the competition, each of the three northern regional teams (Northern Pride, Mackay Cutters and Central Capras) will have the television cameras at their grounds this year.

Channel 9 broadcast schedule (up to Round 4). Matches below will be live on Channel 9 at 2pm on Sundays.

Round 1 (March 11) Wynnum Manly v Tweed Heads @ Kougari Oval

Round 2 Sunshine Coast v Souths Logan @ Sunshine Coast Stadium

Round 3 Redcliffe Dolphins v Ipswich Jets @ Dolphin Oval

Round 4 Burleigh Bears v Easts Tigers @ Pizzey Park