Its a frequently asked question and I've managed to get a response by contacting the NRL direct rather than potential broadcasters.

Not much being said though except......



So no deal done as of yet. I'll try them again if nothings announced in a couple of weeks.

I hope it's anything but ESPN. Channels 1-5 would be good, or even sky sports, but I can't help thinking it will end up on itv3 or something like that, where it won't introduce RL to a wider audience.

It's either going to be Sky or ESPN. If ESPN are in for the rights then I think they'll get them. Sky will only pick them up I think if no one else bothers and they can get them on the cheap.

Well if ESPN will make a better effort out of it, then they'd be the better choice I suppose.


Tbh as long as I can watch it i'll be fine.



P.S Will the station who gets the rights to NRL also get the rights to SOO?

The BBC/ITV/C4/5 won't touch them - not worth the money for the real interest in them. It's ESPN, Sky or nothing!

Am I right in suspecting that the ESPN on Freeview only starts broadcasting in the evening, therefore any live matches will not be shown unless on a delay?

Good work there, Bilko.

Yeah I think the Anzac Test and Origin games are lumped in to NRL rights.




12noon I think it is. Setanta was the same when it was on freeview.

I'm hoping for Sky Sports, I don't really want to fork out for ESPN just for the NRL.

Same here!
Although if it does end up at Sky I hope they don't do it as crappily as they did the last time they had it, just do what Setanta did and simply show the Fox/Channel 9 broadcast.

Would love it to be on Sky Sports if it's been shown here. Was gutted when Setanta disappeared last year and will lose ESPN soon so Sky would do very nicely

Is ESPN still free on Virgin?

Yes, if you have the full sports package.

Or XL tv package.

It wont be on itv3 as they dont show sport. Think your thinking on itv4 which bring it a much wider viewing public.

It will be espn or sky sports. I would guess espn