The Warriors are one of the biggest losers from the NRL draw, with the team from New Zealand only shown on free to air twice in 2023, but that’s not the major concern facing them next year.
There had been a lot of talk about other clubs showing them goodwill given they spent the majority of the past three seasons as nomads in Australia due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The idea had been that clubs would take home games to New Zealand to thank the Warriors for spending so long away from their friends and families to ensure the competition was able to go on.
But it turns out those were empty words, with only the Wests Tigers taking a home game to New Zealand when they play in Hamilton in round 24.
It could have been an option for some teams during the women’s FIFA World Cup, with major grounds across Australia out of action for a number of weeks while the tournament is on.
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The Warriors will also feel hard done by that only two of their games will be shown on free to air, although they will again take part in the annual Anzac Day clash against the Storm at AAMI Park.
The top seven sides from last year will all have at least 11 matches on free to air, with the Storm, Roosters and Rabbitohs leading the way with 13.
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The Panthers, Sharks and Eels all have 12 games on free to air, with Parramatta having the added advantage of a round 27 bye leading into the finals.
Canberra fans will only see their side on free to air eight times this year, ahead of only the Bulldogs, Knights, Titans and Warriors.
That will be a hard one to take given the Broncos – who missed the finals last year – have 13 matches on free to air, while the Sea Eagles (12) and new team the Dolphins (10) also get plenty of games on Channel 9.
