Depending on which clown you speak to on the blower they get NRL confused with AFL

Says ESPN are here dated 28th Jan 2010. No mention on their main site though



[urlhttp://www.sky.com/portal/site/skycom/skyproducts/skytv/channels/addon/espn[/url

Just recieved an email reply direct from the NRL Offices.

They state - "We are still working on our 2010 TV arrangements for the UK & USA."

So not much to say but ESPN have not signed a broadcast deal as of yet despite what the Sky website says.

The email added that all NRL games will be available on a 24 hour delay via the pay to view website - [urlhttp://www.aussiesport.tv/page/Home/0,,12614,00.html[/url

Must say I got a very quick reply from an Elke Smith. 10am there so assume she started work at 9am so an hour is good work. If only other clubs/governing bodies were that quick.

[url=http://www.nrl.com/NewsViews/LatestNews/NewsArticle/tabid/10874/newsId/57554/Default.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NrlcomNews+%28NRL.com+Latest+News%29All Stars game to be streamed live on NRL.com[/url

What time does it kick off?

Just seen the other thread. 8.30am GMT.

I contacted ESPN and the responce i got was

In Regards to the NRL we currently have nothing to announce. However we were very pleased with the ratings we gained from showing the NRL. For a full list of ESPN’s content and future announcements please go to espn.co.uk/tv

Seems to me the deal is going to be the NRL approaching potential broadcasters for a deal rather than potential broadcasters approaching the NRL.

just to confirm suspicions I sent an email to five:

I hope Sky make a bid for the NRL i havent seen any of it since the rights went to Setanta I think Sky's coverage since they lost the NRL, State of Origin and Anzac Test as been bare IMO.

Has anyone heard anymore on this?

There are programmes on Sky about Super 14









and yet no one is interested.

The NRL would gain good viewing figues especially compared to that rubbish and yet nothing.

The premier RUGBY, yes RUGBY, competiton in the world and yet no one can see the potential cash flow available.

Very strange.

The BBC should buy the rights and show it in Eastenders slot. That should move to 4am on BBC3.

I'd vote for that saddened!
who watches that crap??

About 10 million people?

(not me btw)

the bbc should buy the rights.....but more realistically...stick on the bbc red button sports multiscreen service..

All the people who think rugby league is crap, so, erm millions.

If Sky pay for the non-live Super 14 stuff I'd be very surprised.

Me

Getting close to opening of the season and still ??????????????????????????????

Is anybody any the wiser as to who and when?

The Super 14 is good entertainment actually.
They at least pass the ball around (unlike the northern hemesphere game)
Watched a game last Friday and it ended up 73 v 64

Each to their own I suppose. I thought it was a terrible match with shocking defence on display.
And to think that is the premier club rugby union competition in the world.

The difference is the Super 14 rights will be cheap due to no one competing with Sky to purchase the rights. Setanta competed with Sky for the NRL rights thus bumping the price up and now Sky aren't bothered. Purchasing the NRL coverage is not going to bring subscribers into Sky because most RL fans will have Sky anyway for the Super League.

I've said before any tv deal that gets struck here will be the NRL going out to do a deal with potential broadcasters rather than potential broadcasters approaching the NRL.

Spanish freeview has a Guinness Premiership highlights programme, a world rugby union programme and they cover the Spanish league.
Sportsmania (like a Spanish ESPN) show the six nations games the day after and every so often have Super 14 games on.

If its like the crap layonathon every week that melbourne got away with tonight they can keep their rights. Its not the RL that we recognise over here. I suspect Silverwood passed the audition for a stint in the NRL though