The NRL has refused to move the kick-off for the elimination final between the New Zealand Warriors and the Penrith Panthers.
The Warriors had requested a later 5:05pm local start for their home elimination final against the four-time defending premiers to avoid clashing with the All Blacks’ showdown against world champions South Africa in Wellington.
However, this proposal has since been rejected by the NRL with the match still set to start at 4:05pm AEST (6:05pm local time) on Saturday.
The Kiwi club hoped fans wouldn’t be forced to choose between watching the Warriors or the All Blacks, but the overlapping schedules now mean many may switch off the NRL game at half-time to catch the rugby.
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The decision has left Warriors fans frustrated, with supporters torn between backing their side in a do-or-die final or tuning in to watch the All Blacks in one of the year’s biggest rugby clashes.
Warriors CEO Cameron George told the Sydney Morning Herald the club’s intention was to give fans the chance to enjoy both events and support the nation during two massive games.
“I’d hate to think people watching at home or in clubs and pubs are forced to decide what code to watch midway through our game,” George told the media publication.
Despite the plea, the NRL has left the kick-off unchanged, prioritising broadcast considerations.
This scheduling ensures Channel 9 can air the Wallabies v Argentina Test at 2pm, followed by the Warriors-Panthers clash at 4pm, before rolling straight into the 6pm news bulletin – a move widely seen as a ratings strategy.
Had the NRL agreed to a 3pm or 5pm start, Channel 9 would have needed to broadcast different codes on separate channels, potentially affecting viewership.