Channel 9 has been criticised online for its coverage of the State of Origin on Wednesday night, after the broadcaster almost missed the opening try of the game.
The broadcaster ran an extended ad break, while the Blues crossed the line for a try that gave them a head-start at the MCG.
The NRL’s official account posted a clip of the Kotoni Staggs try on social media with the caption: “You’ve never seen this in Origin before!”
Fans were quick to comment that they didn’t see the try at all and criticising the broadcaster’s coverage of the game.
“You know what else we didn’t see live … the beginning of the play,” one fan replied to the NRL post.
“You’re right. Because Nine was still running ads. Sucked all the oxygen out of the moment,” another added.
NRL SuperCoach Whisperer, an independent analyst and content creator who provides strategic advice and statistical breakdowns for the NRL, said that the blunder was untimely given the broadcast rights are currently in question.
“With broadcast rights at the forefront of everyone’s minds … pretty much missing the first try of the game due to some Harvey Norman ads … is a choice,” they said.
NRL Hynesight added: “Not a good look when you don’t come back from an ad in time to see a restart, that leads to a try.”
“Channel 9 coverage a joke … missing the game …get the advertisers in there guys,” another commented.
“We didn’t see it because of NRLonNine putting on an ad!!! Thanks very much!!!” one person commented.
“WTF. F*** Channel 9 …. Missed all of that,” another added.
“’No one’s ever seen that in State of Origin’ … exactly right, as the ad break was still on. Had to wait for a replay. What a fail Channel 9.”
The try was an early highlight for the Blues, who were initially leading up until halftime. The match ended with the Blues defeated by the Maroons 44-24, leading to a decider.
Images: NRL Instagram
