You’d almost think the NRL broadcast rights were up for renegotiation in 2012… From round 1, Channel 9 Queensland will broadcast the InTrust Super (Qld) Cup from 2pm each Sunday leading into the 4pm Sunday NRL match. It’s a good move to promote Rugby League in Queensland and a great opportunity to give the NRL stars of tomorrow a chance to perform on a bigger stage (and a shame for ABC Queensland who previously aired these games). From the press release:

The Nine Network Queensland has announced a one-year deal to broadcast the state’s premier competition includes coverage of the September finals series.

The announcement coincides with an exciting new era for the Queensland Rugby League (QRL), which has recently undergone a change of leadership and restructure. The deal offers wider commercial exposure and has paved the way for three northern regional teams (Northern Pride, Mackay Cutters and Central Capras) to have the television cameras at their grounds for the first time this year.

QRL chief executive Robert Moore said the state’s governing body and the Intrust Super Cup clubs had worked side by side in a concerted effort to get the partnership with The Nine Network Queensland off the ground.

Kylie Blucher, Managing Director of Nine Queensland said “Nine’s commitment to Rugby League is unwavering so when presented with the opportunity to present Queensland’s premier local competition, we grabbed it with both hands. It will be a Rugby League feast every Sunday afternoon from 2pm with our 2 hour live coverage leading straight into WWOS Sunday afternoon NRL match of the round.”

Nine’s LIVE coverage kicks off with the explosive round one grand final re-match between Wynnum Manly and Tweed Heads from BMD Kougari Oval on March 11.

Channel 9 broadcast schedule (up to Round 4).
Matches below will be live on Channel 9 at 2pm on Sundays.

Round 1 (March 11) – Wynnum Manly v Tweed Heads @ Kougari Oval
Round 2 – Sunshine Coast v Souths Logan @ Sunshine Coast Stadium
Round 3 – Redcliffe Dolphins v Ipswich Jets @ Dolphin Oval
Round 4 – Burleigh Bears v Easts Tigers @ Pizzey Park