Radio stations fight for right to cover NRL

IT'S not just the television rights that are up for grabs, four radio stations are ready to engage in a war over rugby league.

IT'S not just the television rights that are up for grabs, four radio stations are ready to engage in a war over rugby league - but it could mean the incumbent rights holder walks away.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal 2UE has formally told the NRL of its intention to call games from next season with Triple M now wanting to expand its role by covering multiple matches each weekend.

Incumbent commercial rights holder 2GB wants to retain the rights but is cautious about calling matches alongside too many rivals.

Like the television broadcasting deal, the NRL's radio rights expire at the end of this season, with the ARL Commission deciding whether to have an exclusive commercial partner or allow several stations to call games. As national broadcaster, the ABC will be awarded a contract.

Macquarie Radio chairman Russell Tate confirmed his station's interest. "We have an intention to remain the rights holder," he said.

"We would like to be and hope to be."

Then asked if 2GB would continue calling matches alongside rival commercial stations, he said: "I think it would be difficult with too many rights holders. This is different to AFL in Melbourne.

"That would be a decision for the (ARL) Commission. We hope to retain the (exclusive) status we have enjoyed for the past couple of years."

Radio 2GB's Continuous Call team cover matches on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and dedicate up to 20 hours each weekend to rugby league - but that won't stop 2UE bidding to call games.

"We are very interested in all commercial opportunities and are aware the NRL rights are up at the end of the year," said Fairfax Radio Network CEO Adam Lang. "We are assessing all options."

Triple M already calls Monday night football but wants to broadcast more games.

NRL interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said the process to determine who calls games on radio has begun.

"We have now started requesting proposals from AM and FM stations," Mattiske said. "We're seeking details around the stations' metropolitan and regional coverage. We are expecting some formal arrangement with ABC and are talking to other commercial broadcasters about the services they can deliver to NSW and Queensland. Triple M have demonstrated, at this stage, they would like to extend their coverage.

"We certainly see FM radio as important in making the younger demographic more accessible to our game."