The National Rugby League "has been left with egg on its face" after agreeing to lock in this year's draw "before a ball was kicked" this season, according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. In an "embarrassing repercussion of the NRL's decision to neglect Fox Sports from its original broadcast negotiations" with Channel Nine, the "top-of-the-table showdown" for the minor premiership between Melbourne and Cronulla will not be shown on free-to-air TV this weekend. The Channel Nine Sunday afternoon match this weekend will feature two teams -- the Warriors and Parramatta Eels -- that are "unable to reach the finals." Fox Sports, "who are the big winners, will air the blockbuster top-of-the-table clash" between the Storm and Sharks at AAMI Park on Saturday night. If the Gold Coast Titans lose to North Queensland on Saturday, Fox Sports will also broadcast the "mouth-watering" Sunday afternoon match between the Raiders and Tigers, "who would need to win to reach the finals" for the first time since '11. Traditionally, the NRL would wait until mid-season to "gauge form and interest before locking in the final six rounds of the year," however it surrendered that right "as part of its controversial broadcast negotiation strategy" (SMH, 8/30).
