At 8:51am on Monday, Country Rugby League officials received an email they thought guaranteed the future of the traditional City-Country match. But it soon became apparent the new broadcast deal has almost certainly killed off the traditional NSW State of Origin trial.

The $925 million deal that secured the free-to-air rights for the Nine network has already begun to alter rugby league's future schedule. One of the casualties of a slightly condensed competition appears to be the City-Country clash, which has been played in various formats almost from the game's inception.

On Monday morning, NRL boss Dave Smith wrote to the clubs and major stakeholders, trumpeting a deal which could result in up to $2 billion flowing into the game's coffers once the full rights are renegotiated.

"The five-year term is for 'siren to siren' FTA rights on all platforms including digital i.e. TV, mobile, PC, tablet with all contracted matches to be broadcast LIVE and including ... five other non-premiership matches, e.g. World Club Challenge, All Stars, City Country …"