Fans left fuming over Channel 9’s graphic error during Origin decider

Rugby league fans were left questioning a major issue that unfolded during the opening half of the State of Origin decider.

Fans spot glaring issue with Origin feed

Rugby league fans far and wide across the country positioned themselves on the couch to watch the State of Origin series decider on Wednesday night.

In the early stages of the first half, a vast majority of them were all left asking the exact same question … where is the clock?

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The graphic along the bottom of Channel 9’s feed showed the usual team names and their scores while also displaying the tackle count.

But the time remaining in the half was non-existent for close to the opening 10 minutes.

In almost an instant tweets started flooding in with many users tagging the network and asking what was going on.

Fans spot glaring issue with Origin feed

Sensing what was unfolding in front of them, the Channel 9 commentators cleared the air behind the issue.

“With respect to the clock, the official stadium clock here at Suncorp isn’t working properly, so we’ll keep you updated on how that’s progressing,” one commentator stated.

The ABC’s Zane Bojack wrote on X: “Controversy at Lang Park for the decider on. Still no time clock after almost ten minutes of play.”

Fellow ABC broadcaster Brett Sprigg wrote: “Sometimes rugby league is a fast, modern, cutting edge sport and other times the game clock doesn’t work during the biggest game of the season.”

The clock ultimately came to life after around 10 minutes before it malfunctioned again before it appeared to come good a minute or two later.

No idea how long had been play with no clock. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The early technical issues came after the pre-game show at Suncorp Stadium showed America how it should be done.

The NRL decided to sidestep any drama for Game 3 and did not televise any pre-game entertainment. It also stuck to safe choices for the national anthem and Welcome to Country.

Tonight, Ashley Ruska performed the Welcome to Country on behalf of the Jagera people and received a loud applause.

Meanwhile, Ruva Ngwenya — who has played a lead role in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical — sang the national anthem, belting out a traditional version of Advance Australia Fair.

The stadium stayed silent in memory of David Morrow.

The legendary radio and television commentator for the ABC and 2GB died aged 71 after a battle with brain cancer, the NRL confirmed just hours before Origin 3.

However, in a shameful moment, one loud fan was heard yelling out.

Originally published as Fans left fuming over Channel 9’s graphic error during Origin decider