Footy fans absolutely smash Channel Nine’s Grand Final coverage: ‘It’s a disgrace’

Footy fans on social media are excited about Channel Nine’s coverage of the NRLW State Championship and the NRLW.

Norths Devils recorded a 20-18 victory against the Newtown Jets in the NRL State Championship earlier this afternoon, while the Sydney Roosters held off a ferocious comeback from the Cronulla Sharks to win the NRLW premiership.

The Roosters would hold out against the Sharks’ attacks to seal a 32-28 victory and their second premiership in the last three years.

Channel Nine has the exclusive rights to broadcast all the action from grand final day at Accor Stadium in Sydney, and there has been a lot of talk about the broadcaster in the lead up to grand final day.

Earlier this week it was reported that Nine had dropped league legend Phil Gould from their coverage for the NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Storm tonight.

Mat Thompson is expected to decide the match, while Andrew Johns and Queensland boss Billy Slater will be on hand to provide expert analysis.

Despite this, fans have taken to Channel Nine for their Grand Final day coverage, with some claiming their coverage of the NRL State Championship earlier this afternoon was sub-par.

“Does anyone think Channel 9’s coverage of the NRL final is ridiculous?” someone wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Just talking trash and laughing during a state championship final without even talking about the game. I know it’s not the big game, but come on, at least try to do your best. #nrl #nrlgrandfinal.”

Gould was dropped from the NRL Grand Final team and instead commented on the State Championship Final today.

But he also received criticism from some users on X, with some telling him to “shut up.”

‘Gus Gould comments on this game “love the spider cam”I “I’ll give you a dollar to shut up!” #nrlgrandfinal,” one person wrote.

Another said: ‘Gus… please… staaahhhhp #CommentatorsCurse.’

“This is appalling reporting from Channel Nine. They didn’t even show the trophy presentation to the Norths Devils. The sooner we have another broadcaster, the better!’ added another to the state championship.

Some on Reddit lambasted Nine’s commentary team, writing: ‘God damn it, I hate Nine’s commentary team.’

“Now I have to check out the girlfriend on @NRLonNine. I think it’s only four times a year that I get the worst television reporting and commentary.”

Ahead of the NRLW Grand Final, some fans were outraged by the lack of focus on the NRLW Grand Final ahead of the Roosters and Sharks clash.

’30 minutes into the #NRLWGF & the Nine coverage just said, “We’re counting down to the big one, the Storm vs. Panthers game tonight” and then segued seamlessly into a message about violence against women and how it starts disrespect,” one person wrote.

“Who’s going to tell them?” they added.

‘Has anyone noticed that in the build-up to the NRL grand final there has been very little mention of the women’s grand final on the same day?

‘Especially from Channel Nine, covering both games? I say shame on them. Sexism is still alive and well in sport in Australia.”

Ahead of the men’s grand final, stadium announcers paid tribute to several retiring players from across the competition.

The retiring class of 2024 includes several Origin legends, including Aaron Woods, Chris McQueen and Dale Finucane.

But some fans were outraged by how little time fans were given to cheer on each retiring player.

‘You don’t even give people the chance to cheer on every outgoing player. #NEXT #nrlgf #nrl,” one person wrote.

Another said: ‘Channel Nine is a disgrace.’

Australian rapper and singer The Kid LAROI took to the stage ahead of the NRL Grand Final to provide entertainment, but some fans were left scratching their heads over the performance.

Some claimed that LAROI could not be heard during his performance nor was he visible through a cloud of smoke.

“Someone needs to chill out on the fog machine here, no one can see LAROI,” one person wrote, while another added: “If the NRL wants to put the crowd to sleep before the game, this pre-game ‘entertainment’ is the way to do it to do. . #NRLGrandFinal.”

Meanwhile, other viewers watching Grand Final Day around the world were equally outraged by the coverage.

Some who tuned into Sky Sports in Britain only had a camera view of the pitch from the rafters of the stadium and no commentary or view of the build-up to the match.

“Sky was clearly fed the wrong food for the NRL Grand Final. Instead of Channel 9 pre-game we only get a match feed,” one person wrote.

‘@SkySports the pre-game viewing of @NRL Grand Final was awful. It’s been on since 8.30am and has had two minutes of live coverage.’

Another added: ‘@SkySportsRL What the hell is happening with your coverage of the @NRL Grand Final. There is no build-up, just a field photo of the ground, interspersed with advertisements. Just not good enough.’