Note: This post was going to be included in the same post as the Toronto Wolfpack Post. I then realized the Toronto post would need to be a two-parter and this would be its own post. The recent axings at Network Ten, make me think that a new FTA home of Rugby League is out of the question. However, I decided to share this post anyway.
Back in 2012, when Network Ten last bid for the NRL rights they had Joel Caine, Adam Hawse, Ben Ikin, Adam MacDougall, Andrew Moore, Steve Roach, and Ricky Stuart who would presumably form part of the network’s coverage. In 2020, the only Rugby League person the network has is Emma Lawrence. Who would join Emma on Network Ten’s coverage? Well, I have an answer. All this and more in the latest edition of the Blog of Cheese.
The following is the press release that Network Ten will use to unveil its Rugby League team.
Good evening, and welcome, distinguished guests, to a historic night. Rugby League returns to Network Ten for the first time since 1991. Rugby League has a long history with Network Ten, dating back to 1974 when Network Ten broadcast the “made for TV” Amco Cup. Network Ten would broadcast the mid-week completion throughout its entirety. In 1983, Network Ten began broadcasting the NSWRL with the “State Bank Big Game” on Sunday evenings. Network Ten was also the first to broadcast Monday Night Rugby League and Friday Night Rugby League.
Network Ten will be broadcasting the NRL differently than you are used to. Our NRL team will be set up in the studio for most of the season, with only our commentators at the ground. The commentary booth will feature a play-by-play commentator and one analyst. We will also use two sideline commentators for each side to give the viewer complete access. Network Ten will air its Monday night wrap show live online, before a replay on Free-to-Air Television later in the evening. Network Ten will also have several exclusive online shows.
Network Ten will unveil its broadcast team tonight, bringing you NRL coverage. Network Ten does not have the finances of Fox Sports, so launching a raid for Fox NRL talent would be silly, though we believe we have made astute moves to bring you the best team. Hannah Hollis will be heading up our coverage. Hannah will lead the Network’s coverage on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. James Bracey will be hosting Thursday night and Sunday night. Network Ten’s commentary team will be headed by Andrew Voss. Matt Thompson, Andy Raymond, and Matt Russell will join Andrew as play-by-play commentators. Andy and Matt will also work as sideline commentators.
Kezie Apps, Laurie Daley, Renee Gartner, Ruan Sims, Billy Slater, Jimmy Smith, Peter Sterling, Timana Tahu, Johnathan Thurston, and Dean Widders will join Network Ten as analysts. Network Ten NRL will also have many reporters as part of our coverage, bringing you the latest news. Our reports will include Michael Chammas, Emma Lawrence, Danika Mason, Adrian Proszenko, Brent Read, Brad Walter, and Andrew Webster.
As part of our commitment to ensuring our viewers are aware of every piece of information, Former match officials Daniel Eastwood, Luke Potter, and Luke Phillips will join the broadcast, providing viewers with a greater understanding of crucial decisions. Brien Seeney will be one of our injury experts, explaining medical diagnoses and returning to play. We still have a couple more additions to the team, though this, for the most part, will be the team. All our experts will work across our shows, all of which will be available online.
And Another Thing: Given the spate of injuries in the NRL this season, I think the State of Origin teams will be made up of whoever is left standing. I’m sure the NRL coaches will be more than happy to return to the pre-COVID-19 format from 2021.
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Till next time,
Cheese