Aussie Broadcasters Clash In Effort To Carry NRL Parramatta, Wests Matches

Broadcasters are battling to cash in on "resurgent" National Rugby League sides Parramatta and Wests Tigers as they "begin horse-trading games in the search for ratings," according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. While the NRL "bowed to pressure to lock in the majority of the schedule to give fans certainty, there is still the possibility of Fox Sports and the Nine Network switching matches in the final six rounds." The matches likely to cause the "most jockeying between the host broadcasters are in round 24." The issue is "coming to a head as the parties are working through the schedule at present, with a decision likely next week." Last year, the Eels and Tigers finished last and second-to-last, respectively, and were a "tough sell for both broadcasters." Now, however, the two Sydney teams are "the most in demand, with long-suffering fans desperately keen to witness what would be the most unlikely of finals appearances" (SMH, 6/24).