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

Footy fans on social media have hit out at Channel Nine's coverage of the NRLW State Championship and the NRLW.

Norths Devils clinched a 20-18 victory against the Newtown Jets earlier this afternoon in the NRL State Championship, 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 have exclusive rights to broadcast all the action from Grand Final day at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, and there has been plenty of talk about the broadcaster in the run-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 this evening.

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

Despite that, fans have hit out at Channel Nine for their coverage of Grand Final day, with some claiming their coverage of the NRL State Championship earlier this afternoon was below par.

'Anyone think the channel 9 coverage of the NRL grand final is ridiculous?' one wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

'Just talking rubbish and laughing during a State championship final not even discussing the game. I know it’s not the big game but come on at least try to make an effort. #nrl #nrlgrandfinal.'

Gould had been dropped from the NRL Grand Final team and was delivering commentary on the State Championship Final today instead.

But he was also criticised by some users on X, with some telling him to 'shut up'.

'Gus Gould doing the commentary on this game "love the spider cam"Me "I'll give you a dollar to shut up!"#nrlgrandfinal,' one wrote.

Another added: 'Gus... please... staaahhhhhp #CommentatorsCurse.'

'This is atrocious coverage by Channel Nine. They didn’t even show the trophy presentation to the Norths Devils. The sooner we have a different broadcaster, the better!' another added on the State Championship.

Some on Reddit lambasted Nine's commentary team, writing: 'God dammit, I hate the Nine commentary team.'

'Now I have to watch the GF on @NRLonNine. I guess it’s only four times a year that I have put up with the worst television coverage and commentary.'

Ahead of the NRLW Grand Final, some fans were left incensed over the lack of focus on the NRLW Grand Final in the build-up to the Roosters and Sharks clash.

'30 mins out from the #NRLWGF & the Nine coverage just said "We're counting down to the big one, the game between the Storm & Panthers tonight" and then seamlessly transitioned into a message about violence against women & how it starts with disrespect,' one wrote.

'Who's gonna tell them?' they added.

'Has anyone noticed that with all the build-ups to the NRL grand final that there has been barely a mention of the women's grand final on the same day?

'Especially by Channel Nine, who are covering both matches? 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 around the league.

Among the retiring class of 2024 are several Origin legends, including Aaron Woods, Chris McQueen and Dale Finucane.

But some fans were left incensed at how little time fans were given to cheer for each retiring player.

'Not even giving people a chance to cheer for each retiring player. #NEXT #nrlgf #nrl,' one wrote.

Another added: 'Channel Nine is a disgrace.'

'Game hasn't even started yet and NineNow has already s*** the bed, obviously didn't learn from the Olympics.' 

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

Some claimed LAROI could not be heard during his performance and was also not visible through a cloud of smoke. 

'Someone’s gotta chill out on the fog machine here, nobody can see LAROI,' one wrote, another added: 'If the NRL wanted to put the crowd to sleep before the game, this pre game “entertainment” is the way to do it. #NRLGrandFinal.' 

Meanwhile, other viewers watching Grand Finals day around the world were equally left incensed by the coverage.

Some tuning into Sky Sports in the UK were left with just a camera view of the pitch from up in the rafters of the stadium and no commentary or views of the build-up to the match.

'Sky clearly been given the wrong feed for the NRL Grand Final. Instead of pre game from Channel 9 we are just getting a match feed,' one wrote.

'@SkySports the pre-game viewing of @NRL Grand Final has been abysmal. It’s been on since 08:30 and has had 2 minutes of live coverage.'

Another added: '@SkySportsRL What the hell is happening to you coverage of the @NRL Grand Final. There is no build up, just a downfield picture of the ground interspersed with adverts. Simply not good enough.'