IT was the NRL television coup that left even Channel 7 presenter Jim Wilson “gobsmacked”.

Yesterday morning he anchored the naming of the Blues squad for next week’s State of Origin second match at the MCG in Melbourne on Seven’s Sunrise program.

GEORGIA PAGE INTERVIEW: AUSSIE RUGBY SEVENS ‘WAR GODDESS’

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR CAMPER MISSING NEAR MCLEAN’S LOOKOUT

The NRL rights holders Channel 9 had been offered the opportunity to present the much-anticipated event but had refused.

“I was gobsmacked,” said Wilson. “When the NRL came to us and offered us the chance to host it, we jumped at it.”

The announcement — revealing Paul Gallen and Brett Morris would return to the Blues line-up in place of Andrew Fifita and Daniel Tupou — was also screened by Sky and Fox Sports.

Later in the day Nine covered the naming of the Queensland line-up. It is understood the channel made a late bid to oust Seven from the presentation but the NRL stood firm.

Mr Wilson anchored the Sunrise segment from the Stamford Hotel near Sydney Airport, introducing each of the Blues players and interviewing coach Laurie Daley.

“I know where this group can go to and I’m excited about the challenge that awaits us,” Mr Daley told the national TV audience.

NSW Sport Minister Stuart Ayres also attended the announcement and wished the team well before they boarded a flight to Coffs Harbour for training.

Negotiations for the NRL broadcast rights are just beginning and insiders are speculating the NRL is not unhappy Nine has been given a sharp reminder that it is not the only broadcaster in town.

Seven did not pay to broadcast the naming of the squad.

Channel 9 last night declined to comment.