Channel Nine and Fox Sports "would consider broadcasting a summer rugby league Nines circuit as former stars Brad Fittler, Matt Cooper and Nathan Fien threw their support behind the concept," according to Brad Walter of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Senior National Rugby League officials believe a Nines circuit "could rival cricket’s Big Bash League and help promote the profile of league on a global scale, while offering opportunities for promising youngsters and stars at the end of their career." Nine CEO David Gyngell and Fox Sports Dir Gary Burns both said that "they would consider any proposal." Gyngell said, "We’re happy to support the NRL in any way to grow the game. Out of season sport historically doesn’t work but we’re interested in trying" (SMH, 2/10). In Sydney, Michael Chammas reported NRL COO Jim Doyle "is adamant the shortened format of the game will build the profile of the 13-man game on a global scale." While the NRL "is in no rush to fast-track the development of the nines game, there are already plans to cash in on the up-tempo version of rugby league." Doyle said, "I feel [nines] has got a lot more legs than just a weekend. I think that if it's done properly, there's no reason why that, in the future, it couldn't be potentially something that is played in the summer" (SMH, 2/8).
