Footy fans slam Channel Nine’s grand final commentary team: ‘I miss Ray Warren’

Viewers have voiced their frustrations with Channel Nine’s commentary during Sunday night’s NRL grand final between the Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos.

It was a thrilling encounter on the pitch with Penrith winning 26-24, but some fans watching at home were less than impressed with the commentary team’s performance.

Queensland fans felt the Brisbane Broncos were not given a fair chance despite playing top-shelf football.

@wwos, your commentary on rugby league is terrible. Talk about bias. Well, those commenters are so one-sided that it’s not worth watching. Awful. Spoiled my viewing of the 2023 finale,” one fan wrote to X.

“These commentators really, really want Penrith to win, don’t they,” said a second.

#NRLGrandFinal I need less biased commentary and a referee who might actually blow the whistle when the #Broncos get hit high,” a third posted.

“I mean we all knew the commentary and the Cleary circle pull would be unbearable, soooo,” said another.

Other viewers had issues with specific commentators.

“Put down James Bracey’s horrible comment,” one X user posted.

“I feel sorry for all those who are now forced to listen to the commentary of the hysterical and often inaccurate Mat Thompson,” replied another.

It’s been two years since the ‘Voice of Rugby League’ Ray Warren called his last NRL grand final, with more than a few viewers saying they’d like to see the veteran broadcaster back in the commentary booth.

‘I don’t often look at 9 for competition. Mostly Fox. I can officially say I miss Ray Warren and Peter Sterling,” said one fan.

Some viewers thought the commentary was biased against the Broncos

“I miss Ray Warren’s comments,” said another.

“Me: Watching my first NRL game all season ‘Where’s Ray Warren?’” said a third.