The NRL has been referred to as out after a “badly missed opportunity” with the Warriors preliminary ultimate conflict towards Brisbane on Saturday evening scheduled for 9:50pm NZ time (7:50pm AEST).
The Warriors have captured the hearts of their nation with their play this season, and rugby league has seen an enormous surge in reputation due to it.
The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio believes the NRL wanted to vary the beginning time of the Broncos-Warriors conflict to a extra NZ-friendly slot.
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“We need to have a grasp on what is happening in New Zealand in relation to the growth of the game,” Riccio stated on SEN.
“It’s unprecedented interest in the Warriors and over-arching that is the NRL. The brand is making inroads like we have never seen in the NRL.
“When we get to discussions about a second team in New Zealand and potentially taking a State of Origin match to New Zealand, you need to jump on any significant opportunities that come your way and that is right now.
“There is a groundswell of momentum where first-time supporters of the game are buying tickets to go and watch the Warriors play.
“You can’t buy a jersey in New Zealand so the NRL needed to pivot and change the kick-off time to cater for this moment in time.
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“This is a monumental moment for the game as far as the growth of the game is concerned…It is too late now and it should have been changed and it should have been foreshadowed.”
Riccio labelled the NRL’s resolution to maneuver the Warriors’ first two finals this season to 4pm as a “terrific move,” and argued in the event that they shifted the sport this weekend two hours earlier, it wouldn’t make a distinction.
“The TV ratings have been strong and the crowds have been strong on each of those (4pm) kickoffs, 6pm back in New Zealand,” Riccio stated.
“There’s nothing to suggest that this Saturday night, by moving it two hours earlier would have a major impact on 1) the crowd and 2) the TV ratings.
I would argue it would have a greater affect on TV ratings in New Zealand.
“It’s a badly missed opportunity to kick this game off at 10 o’clock for a midnight finish… and kids staying up until midnight to watch the Warriors.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
