Billy could be Nine’s cash cow
THE NRL has had a volatile relationship with the Queensland Rugby League in recent years but it may owe chairman Bruce Hatcher and his board a beer.
When it comes to the big winners out of Billy Slater’s expected ascent to the Maroons coaching job, the biggest — Slater aside, of course — may be the NRL.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has been locked in talks with commercial broadcasters over a new deal for 2023 and beyond and the whisper is that Network Seven has been eyeing off the Origin series.
Yet the likely appointment of Innisfail product Slater is set to up the stakes for the Nine Network.
It is likely to get unprecedented access during Origin next year from two coaches who understand better than most what can be achieved by drawing open the curtain on a rivalry that captures more attention than any other in Australian sport.
As a result, Nine will no doubt be desperate to hold on to Origin beyond next season. The series has suddenly become even more valuable for the NRL at a time when the game appears to have options at its disposal.
The other big winner out of the Slater decision might be breakfast show host and fellow Far North product Karl Stefanovic who has been attempting to convince officials from Queensland and NSW of the benefits of allowing his production company to make a fly-on-the-wall account of rugby league’s greatest show.
Stefanovic was blocked this year but hasn’t given up hope of convincing officials to let him take the cameras where they have never been before.
Certainly, the fact that Slater and Brad Fittler — two work colleagues — will be in charge of the respective state sides should help his cause.
“We are still working hard on the doco,” Stefanovic said.
“We came incredibly close this year. We have the full support of (ARL Commission chair Peter) V’landys and Abdo. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual leagues and their bosses and coaches to approve as well.
“We are very respectful of the process. And we are adamant it will breathe some life and insight into the greatest game of all. It would be incredible for any kid watching.
“Fingers crossed for next year. We are ready to roll. It’s in their court.”
As for Fittler, he is licking his lips at locking horns with Slater. Fittler has been a breath of fresh air for the Blues and knows Slater well enough to know the Maroons will be revitalised by his appointment.
“Anything he puts his mind to, he has done pretty well,” Fittler said.
“I look forward to the challenge if he gets it. But it would mean for eight weeks of the year, I wouldn’t be his best buddy.”