NSW and Queensland fans unite as they slam Nine’s commentary team

Fans from Queensland and New South Wales rarely agree, but they were almost unanimous in their criticism of Channel Nine and the lack of atmosphere during Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener.

The interstate rivalry returned to Adelaide for the first time since the 2020 series opener amid concerns that the game will not sell out.

Although the crowd at the Adelaide Oval exceeded the NRL’s expectations of 45,000, it did not create much atmosphere.

Throughout the first half, the match felt more like an everyday NRL match than the greatest rivalry in rugby league.

The Adelaide Oval design doesn’t lend itself to creating a cauldron-like atmosphere like Suncorp Stadium, nor can it accommodate 80,000 rowdy fans like Accor Stadium.

Some 48,000 fans packed into the Adelaide Oval, surpassing the NRL forecast for a 45,000 strong ahead of the series opener

Fans were clearly unimpressed by the lack of atmosphere and were quick to make their feelings clear on social media.

“The public should be happy to return to Adelaide after halftime,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“Sounds like an A-class game in Campbelltown. An absolute waste product in a state that rugby league couldn’t give. Stay inland!!!!’

Another added: ‘No crowd atmosphere, feels like a trial match.

Fans were clearly unimpressed by the lack of atmosphere on Wednesday night

Some fans compared the flat atmosphere to watching games behind closed doors during Covid

While others insisted that Origin only be played in Queensland and New South Wales

‘Bad decision to have it at the Adelaide Oval’, with some even comparing the lack of atmosphere to watching games behind closed doors during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Its origins should never go back to Adelaide Oval. It really is like watching sports during covid. Where’s the audience?’, one fan tweeted.

Nine’s broadcast drew similar criticism, with viewers criticizing the perceived lack of emotion from the commentary team of Mathew Thompson, Andrew Johns and Phil Gould.

The trio was labeled a “boring party” by some fans on social media, while others questioned whether Thomson is “actually calling the game or is he just providing stats?”

Channel Nine’s commentary team labeled a ‘bore fest’ by a fan

The sentiment was echoed by other fans, who criticized the quality of the coverage

Viewers criticized the Channel Nine commentary team’s lack of emotion

While others yearn for the return of the legendary Ray Warren to Origin

Another viewer added, “Is Channel Nine’s ‘fatigue warning’ a warning to viewers that the commentators are talking?”, while one fan pined for the return of legendary commentator Ray Warren.

The broadcaster also came under fire after its streaming service crashed during the series opener on Wednesday night.

Some viewers were unable to watch Game 1 due to an issue with 9Now, the streaming platform for the broadcasting titan.

9Now confirmed it was investigating an issue, but fans were far from impressed when Queensland took on New South Wales in South Australia.