- Commentator gets off to a croaky start
Sports commentator Nick McArdle had a rocky start to Channel 9’s footy grand final coverage after appearing to lose his voice early in the program.
The Sport Sunday presenter battled a sudden vocal strain on Sunday ahead of the NRL decider between the Broncos and the Storm.
‘Locked and loaded, we are kicking off the big one here with Nine’s Wide World of Sports,’ he croaked.
‘Terrific to have your company.
‘Apologies first up.’
McArdle’s voice had the other panelists, Mark Taylor, Gus Worland and Ellie Cole, in stitches.
Sports presenter Nick McArdle seemed to lose his voice during footy grand final coverage
Excitement builds for the NRL decider between the Broncos and the Storm in Sydney
‘I don’t know what’s happening,’ McArdle said.
‘Maybe I’m hitting puberty or something like that.’
A grinning Worland chimed in: ‘We are sitting here trying to be so professional, but I’m sorry, that voice. You sound like Mickey Mouse now! It’s getting worse and worse.’
Meanwhile, some footy fans have complained that Fox League isn’t broadcasting the grand final, as Nine has exclusive rights to the match.
Popular X user The Oracle posted: ‘Fox League broadcast every single NRL match during the season….except the Grand Final & it’s sooooo frustrating. The 3 Origin matches is painstakingly enough, but GIVE US A CHOICE for the GF. Without mentioning names… Nine’s commentary is deplorable. My ears bleed.’
Another posted: ‘Same happens in the AFL. I endured the Channel 7 nuffies for that but for the NRL it’s either ABC radio or an early night.’
A third replied: ‘100 per cent correct.’
Nine’s coverage runs all day and includes the State Championship and NRLW grand final.
The decider will kick-off at 7:30pm (AEST).
