How the NRL and Karl Stefanovic are set to be the big winners out of Queensland call

Billy Slater scores an Origin try for Queensland at Suncorp Stadium Picture: Michael Ross.

The NRL has had a volatile relationship with the Queensland Rugby League in recent years but they may owe chair Bruce Hatcher and his board a beer.

When it comes to the big winners out of Billy Slater’s expected ascent to the Maroons coaching job, the biggest — Slater aside of course —` may be the NRL.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has been locked in talks with commercial broadcasters over a new deal for 2023 and beyond, and the whisper is that Channel 7 has been eyeing off the Origin series.

Yet Slater’s likely appointment is set to up the stakes for the Nine Network. They are likely to get unprecedented access during Origin next year from two coaches who understand better than most what can be achieved by drawing open the curtain on a rivalry that captures more attention than any other in Australian sport.

As a result, Nine will no doubt be desperate to hold onto Origin beyond next season. The series has suddenly become an even more valuable commodity for NRL at a time when the game appears to have options at their disposal.

The other big winner out of the Slater decision might be Karl Stefanovic, the breakfast show host show who has been attempting to convince officials from Queensland and NSW of the benefits of allowing his production company to make a fly-on-the-wall account of rugby league’s greatest show.

Stefanovic was blocked this year but he hasn’t given up hope of convincing officials to let him take the cameras where they have never been before. Certainly, the fact that Slater and Brad Fittler — two work colleagues — will be in charge of the respective state sides should help his cause.

“We are still working hard on the doco,” Stefanovic told Weekend Read.

“We came incredibly close this year. We have the full support of (ARL Commission chair Peter) Vlandys and Abdo. Ultimately it’s up to the individual leagues and their bosses and coaches to approve as well.

“We are very respectful of the process. And we are adamant it will breath some life and insight into the greatest game of all. It would be incredible for any kid watching.

“Any kid of any age. Who doesn’t want to see a bare foot Freddie (NSW coach Fittler) whisper sweet somethings into Josh Addo-Carr’s ear. Or see the Qld coach grapple with the state premier over who has more influence over the state.

“Fingers crossed for next year. We are ready to roll. It’s in their court.”

As for Fittler, he is licking his lips at locking horns with Slater. Fittler has been a breath of fresh air for the Blues and he knows Slater well enough to know that the Maroons will be revitalised by his appointment.

“Anything he puts his mind to, he has done pretty well,” Fittler said.

“I look forward to the challenge if he gets it. But it would mean for eight weeks of the year I wouldn’t be his best buddy.”

Freddie set to be offered longer stay

Speaking of Brad Fittler, the NSW Rugby League has a board meeting next week where they are expected to discuss their own review of the recent Origin series.

Fittler has one year remaining on his contract but the expectation is that he will be offered the chance to stay for longer given the way the Blues played in this year’s series.

Fittler is fast becoming the most successful coach in Origin history. He has won seven of his 12 games in charge — three of his four series.

His winning percentage of 58 per cent is the equal of his mentor Phil Gould. Gus has more series wins in the bank but Fittler can close the gap should he extend his stay beyond next season.

NRL and clubs have legal guns at the ready

It’s lawyers at 10 paces between the NRL and club bosses when it comes to revelations that the clubs may be owed $24 million under the terms of an agreement struck five years ago with the ARL Commission.

News Corp revealed details of the agreement last week and it struck a nerve at Rugby League Central, prompting a flurry of phone calls and emails.

The clubs are armed with legal advice that suggests the clause — which would mean each of the 16 clubs receiving a $1.5 million bonus on November 1, 2022 — remains in play.

The NRL has their own legal advice which suggests the clause was superseded by a later agreement. Stay tuned.

Dragons on the mark with Sims

There’s been no shortage of support for Tariq Sims this week amid revelations he has been told he is free to explore his options with one year remaining on his contract.

St George Illawarra has been pilloried for ruling out an extension to Sims’ deal. It might be unpopular, but this column is loath to criticise the Dragons on this one.

Sims will be 33 at the star of the 2023 season and the Dragons are right to be concerned. For all the talk about Sims being a local junior, it’s worth remembering that he spent time at Brisbane, North Queensland and Newcastle before returning to the Dragons.

Sims is well versed in the business side of the game. And the Dragons’ decision is all about business. Smart business. Few have played the game as hard as Sims in recent times and the Dragons could use that money to enter the race for Viliame Kikau, a younger and some would say more devastating option.

Even the most ardent Sims supporter would acknowledge that would be a smart move. Sims will find a home, although it won’t be at the Sydney Roosters.

There was talk that the Roosters had shown an interest but it is understood they are comfortable with their edge forwards and intent on using what salary cap space they have to retain Angus Crichton and Joey Manu for the long term.

As for Kikau, North Queensland is also watching the situation closely. The Cowboys want Kikau but they won’t break the bank to make it happen. Talk of deals in excess of $900,000 are off the mark.

The Cowboys won’t go that high.

Raiders watching Brown at Browne Park

Canberra will be among those watching closely as Parramatta kick off its finals campaign on Sunday afternoon at Browne Park in Rockhampton.

More particularly, the Raiders will be watching Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown intently as they count down the days to November 1 and their opportunity to make a play for the New Zealand pivot.

Canberra’s desire to sign a halfback over the off-season has been widely documented. George Williams’ departure has left a hole that needs to be filled and Brown as emerged as the man most likely given he is about to enter the final year of his deal.

The concerns over Brown are twofold. He will come with a big price tag given he is on a good wicket at Parramatta. There are also question marks over whether the has the capacity to lead a team around the park.

The Raiders have done their due diligence. They have contacted people who know Brown and been told that he indeed has that ability, but hasn’t been able to show it because he plays in a side that features Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson.

There have been whispers that Brown’s management would be keen to move him in the off-season and the Eels could release much-needed funds if they allow them to happen, helping them keep a slew of players who enter their final years in November.

Chief among them are captain Clint Gutherson, hooker Reed Mahoney and prop Junior Paulo. Throw in the NRL’s most improved player Isaiah Papali’i, backrower Ryan Matterson and the versatile Marata Niukore, and the Eels will need to make some cap room.

Kelly has some advice for Tigers

There is hope for the Wests Tigers. Don’t take our word for it. Listen to Gold Coast co-owner Darryl Kelly, who saved the Titans from extinction and now finds himself at the helm of a finals club.

Asked whether the Titans were proof that the Tigers can turn it around, Kelly said: “You can but you’ve got to be fairly patient about it all,

“You can’t respond to the media or be reactive to what’s said on social media because it tends to be extreme.

“No one understands exactly what’s going on because you can’t tell them. You need to be planning.

“We’ve got dedicated and committed non-paid directors. They represent the community and are doing it for the right reasons.

“We are a group of individuals with one focus – to be successful. There are no diversions or people playing secondary games in the background. That’s hard to achieve at times but we are very fortunate we’ve had it from the start of our ownership.”

The Tigers are expected to make a decision on coach Michael Maguire as early as next week. Weekend Read was hearing whispers on Friday that Maguire was becoming safer by the day, and chief executive Justin Pascoe and head of football Adam Hartigan wereset to be the fall guys for another season of disappointment.

It only serves to highlight how important it is that the club resolves the matter as quickly as possible.

Haas and a tough conversation

The Brisbane Broncos organised for their first batch of players to get vaccinated against Covid-19 this week. A handful took up the offer, although the club won’t clarify who exactly who they were.

Most interest will centre around prop Payne Haas, crowned this week as the Broncos’ player of the year for the third time.

At the age of 21, Haas has joined club legends Darren Lockyer, Corey Parker and Petero Civoniceva as a three-time winner of the award.

He is the most important player in their ranks by some distance. His situation is also the most delicate for the organisation.

Haas caused waves last week when he posted a contentious image on Instagram that suggested paedophiles weren’t required to carry identification cards, so why should people need vaccination passports.

The Broncos remain tight-lipped on their response to the post, which was quickly taken down. However, Haas’ third player of the year award with the club highlights how sensitive the issue is, particularly in light of recent issues around his contract.

Like most clubs, the Broncos are waiting on direction from the NRL and state governments on the implications of vaccinations. There is every chance if Haas declines to get the jab, he may not be able to travel interstate.

The last thing the Broncos need is for their best player to be sidelined for games in NSW and Victoria.