NRL 2013 DRAW

[DIEHARD]

‎2013 DRAW UPDATE:

The 2013 NRL Premiership will kick-off with Thursday night footy on the Nine Network over the opening four rounds.

The draw, which will contain first 20 rounds of times and dates for each match, will be finalised by mid-NOVEMBER.

[DIEHARD]

Gonna book my room in Canberra for the Anzac Test straight away.

[DIEHARD]

Thursday night football to launch season

NRL Chief Executives have today been advised that the 2013 NRL Premiership will kick-off with Thursday night games broadcast on the Nine Network in each of the first four rounds.

At today’s NRL Chief Executives meeting at Rugby League Central, clubs were informed that the draw, which will include a schedule of days and times for each match for the first 20 rounds, would be finalised by mid-November.

All clubs have also acknowledged receipt of a $500,000 broadcast rights bonus payment and acknowledged the support of the Nine Network.

“The clubs today were positive about the opportunities ahead with the new broadcasting arrangements,” NRL Interim Chief Executive, Mr Shane Mattiske, said.

“The new broadcasting agreements will provide more certainty for fans and a chance to try some exciting new concepts.

“This year’s Thursday night kick-off was a real success and the opportunity to extend that over four weeks is going to add an interesting dimension to those early weeks of the season.”

The NRL outlined that issues of long term club funding and negotiations with the RLPA would be advanced in coming weeks.

The Chief Executives also received progress reports on a number of projects including strategic planning, branding, licensing, stadium facilities, financial reporting and reviews into both shoulder charges and refereeing.

“These are ongoing matters that will continue to be subject of considerable focus in the weeks ahead,” Mr Mattiske said.

The meeting was also informed of changes to the Titans business structure that involves changes to the club’s ownership, which have resulted in the club having financial security as it moves into 2013.

The NRL has also reiterated its attitude to post-season celebrations and the importance of players and clubs being able to celebrate the end of the season in a responsible manner.

Further discussions have been planned with clubs to develop a common approach.

http://www.nrl.com

[Sydney Titans Fanatic]

cant wait to plan my trips

[DIEHARD]

NRL embraces Thursday night football

The 2013 NRL season will kick off with Thursday night games being played in the first four rounds of the competition as part of the new broadcasting deal with Channel Nine, the game's governing body has announced.

A day after Channel Nine staved off administration, the NRL announced the new scheduling arrangements following a meeting of club chief executives in Sydney today.

The NRL season began this year with a Thursday night fixture between Newcastle and St George Illawarra.

But 2013 will be the first season that four Thursday night games form part of the opening month of the competition. The decision means rugby league will be broadcast on television five days a week for the opening four rounds.

Interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said the new broadcasting deal had given the NRL the opportunity to try something different.

"The clubs today were positive about the opportunities ahead with the new broadcasting arrangements," Mattiske said in a statement.

"The new broadcasting agreements will provide more certainty for fans and a chance to try some exciting new concepts.

"This year's Thursday night kick-off was a real success and the opportunity to extend that over four weeks is going to add an interesting dimension to those early weeks of the season."

The official NRL draw, including a schedule of days and times of each match for the first 20 rounds, will be finalised by mid-November.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/

[DIEHARD]

So this would basically lead into the Footy Show? Might class up the show some what!

[TITAN PETE]

Roosters, Rabbitohs set to kick off 2013

RSS
By James MacSmith AAP Thu, Oct 18, 2012 - 8:08 PM

The NRL is planning another blockbuster to kick-off the 2013 season on a Thursday night.

However, Canterbury boss Todd Greenberg looks unlikely to be granted his wish of a season-opening grudge match against a Sydney Roosters side containing Sonny Bill Williams.

Following a meeting of club chief executives on Thursday, the NRL announced it would kick-off the first four rounds of the season with a Thursday night fixture.

The 2013 NRL draw, including the days and times of each match for the first 20 rounds won't be finalised until mid-November, but a Roosters v South Sydney round one Thursday night showdown before a bumper crowd is looming as the ideal way for Channel Nine to begin its new broadcasting deal.

The two matches between the Roosters and Rabbitohs this year were among the most memorable games of the season, with both clashes between the bitter rivals being decided in the final seconds of play.

Matches between the foundation clubs have been a tradition feature of the NRL's opening round for a number of seasons now and it is understood Channel Nine and both the Roosters and the Rabbitohs are keen to continue that on the opening day of the year at Allianz Stadium.

The 2011 season began on a Friday night with another epic contest between the Rabbitohs and the Roosters, while this year started on a Thursday night with a Wayne-Bennett coached Newcastle coming up against his former club St George-Illawarra.

Greenberg had been keen for Canterbury to host an opening round match against a side containing former Bulldog Williams - who is yet to be confirmed as a Roosters signing for 2013.

Williams controversially walked out on the Bulldogs midway through the 2008 season to play rugby union in France.

But it is increasingly unlikely to happen with the Roosters and Rabbitohs eyeing off the round one opener, in what would be a mouth-watering start to the new season.

The match is sure to be afforded star billing given the Rabbitohs fantastic season this year, and the hype surrounding Williams' probable signing with the Roosters and the acquisition at Bondi Junction of rookie coach Trent Robinson.

It is the Roosters turn to host the round one match.

New Roosters chief operating officer commercial Ted Helliar was reluctant to be drawn on a Thursday night start between the arch enemies until the draw was finalised.

But he did say: "Obviously it is the desire of both clubs to play against each other in round one as has been the case for a number of years.

"And it would be a great opportunity for the members, sponsors, players and staff of both the Roosters and the Rabbitohs to be involved in the first game of the season, no better way to kick off 2013."

[TITAN PETE]

I think Todd Greenberg is getting ahead of himself as i'm sure SBW hasn't signed anything yet & with his form he may still decide to try his hand at NFL while on his way to a Title Fight in Vegas

[DIEHARD]

Souths v Easts is always being screwed in the draw. Its like ITS POPULAR so we can afford to SCREW WITH IT.

For instance its been on Monday a few times too.

Thursday Night Footy... I dunno....

[Toads]

Souths v Easts is always being screwed in the draw. Its like ITS POPULAR so we can afford to SCREW WITH IT.

For instance its been on Monday a few times too.

Thursday Night Footy... I dunno....

You could probably thank the ARLC for following America's NFL for that one (Thursday Night Footy). There's so many parallels that can be drawn between the two nowadays that it's not funny. They even use John Bon Jovi's 'This is our House' for the theme song at games..

[Titanic]

Thursday night footy is great ... bring it on 7 days a week ... as for $BW who cares ... he should take-up synchronised swimming with the rest of the sheilas.

[DIEHARD]

Yea I dont trust SBW. If he bailed out of this NRL campaign he will look even stupider after going on about a handshake agreement.

Also Titanic, re: Thursday night footy, maybe you are slightly bias as you live aboard and wont suffer having to attend the games? That possibility certainly takes the edge of it for me.

It'll rate better than a Friday replay, but it would stress the stress our crowds, carrying Monday and Thursday night games.

But maybe we have more cash to help support these games, and hopefully it is just for 4 weeks, because the novelty will wear off.

It'll lead into the Footy Show nicely though.

[Tamwelg]

I think Todd Greenberg is getting ahead of himself as i'm sure SBW hasn't signed anything yet & with his form he may still decide to try his hand at NFL while on his way to a Title Fight in Vegas

Yep, heard Noyce speaking to Ben Ikin on the radio this morning, Ikin asked if Dunny Bill had signed and he said, No he has not yet put pen to paper.

[hammer]

I see from the AFL website that the AFL 2013 Draw will be announced on Wednesday...any ideas when the ARL 2013 Draw will announced? Maybe a question for David May!

[DIEHARD]

I see from the AFL website that the AFL 2013 Draw will be announced on Wednesday...any ideas when the ARL 2013 Draw will announced? Maybe a question for David May!

It's been reported middle of November.