Media Buzz: $277 million gap between AFL and NRL revealed

For all the boasting the NRL has been doing about its financial situation, figures show rugby league is way behind its biggest rival. Check out all the latest media news in What’s the Buzz.

Rugby league’s revenue is still $277 million behind its main rival, the AFL.

The NRL has been boasting about making a $60 million surplus in 2022.

However rugby league’s revenue is still $277 million behind its main rival, the AFL. Figures reveal the AFL had an income of $870 million last year compared to the NRL’s $593 million.

This is before the AFL’s new $4.5 billion TV deal kicks in.

It is financially the furthest apart the two codes have been since 2017. The AFL has made $2.54 billion more than the NRL going back to 2012. Obviously having a truly national game helps with two teams in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Queensland outside of the game’s Melbourne heartland.

The gap will be even greater next year once the AFL’s TV deal with Fox Sports and Channel 7 kicks off.

Rugby league’s revenue is still $277 million behind its main rival, the AFL.

MEDIA PROFILE: LARA PITT, 42 (Fox Sports)

Your first job?

Mucking out stables during school holidays, then behind the bar at the Greenwood in North Sydney & the Royal Hotel in Paddington to get me through uni.

Your sporting heroes?

Mine were tennis and swim stars. Monica Seles knocking off Steffi Graf to win a Slam at just 16, I remember that moment so clearly. And cheering our very own Susie O’Neill whenever and wherever she raced.

Fox League presenter Lara Pitt.

What team do you follow?

St George Illawarra Dragons. The 2010 premiership brings back special memories … but they are fading fast!

What sports did you play?

I competed in equestrian in dressage and cross-country. And I loved basketball although I usually contributed more fouls than points.

How do you spend day off?

As a mum to three boys we are always on the go. Usually playing sport, watching sport or using each other as tackling bags at home. The kids play in the Roosters’ junior system (which hurts). We can’t wait for their footy season to kick off.

Career highlight?

Landing my dream job 16 years ago. Whether I’m on the sideline, in the sheds through the Origin series, or hosting our NRL & NRLW coverage, it’s a privilege to work right across our broadcast on Fox League.

LEGENDARY GREYHOUND JOURNO DIES

Legendary greyhound journo, fearless punter and Eels tragic Gary ‘Milton’ Manning has passed away of cancer at 73.

Manning was renowned for his punting exploits and generosity as much as his journalism.

According to great mate Jeff Collerson, there was no better judge in greyhound racing.

“He’d have a good run and wouldn’t pick up his pay packet for three months,” Collerson said. “Then the pay office would ring and say, ‘come and get it, we’re not a bank’.” Collerson said ‘Milton’ was the most generous man ever.

“He has passed away with a lot of people owing him money,” Collerson said. “He was such a soft touch and could never say no to anyone.”

Manning would travel from Forster for Eels games.

“He loved their victories but if they got beaten he’d be in bed for three days from the pain,” Collerson said, “That’s what the Eels meant to him.”

Storm coach Craig Bellamy will discuss his future on NRL 360. Picture: Getty Images

NRL 360 RETURNS FOR 2023

NRL 360 returns for another footy season on Monday night on Fox Sports at 6.30pm. Storm super coach Craig Bellamy is a guest on the first program to discuss his future. Host Braith Anasta — an obsessed Married At First Sight viewer — will be rushing home each night to catch his favourite show.

SEN READY TO LET IT RIDE

Sports radio network SEN has given up trying to compete with 2GB, Triple M and the ABC for live NRL match-day coverage on weekends. Instead it will launch a new show on Saturday afternoons called Let It Ride to be hosted by Joel Caine, Scott Sattler and cricketer Stephen O’Keefe. It will air each Saturday from 2-5pm covering all sport. The network will cover motor racing on Sundays.