It’s game on for the next broadcast rights deal for the NRL.

The Australian reports Australian Rugby League Commission CEO David Smith phoned the bosses of Nine and FOX Sports yesterday to give formal notification that he will kick off the process next week.

He also contacted Seven and TEN networks in what is being described as a surprise move to blindside the AFL.

The move is twelve months earlier than expected.

By contrast the AFL Commission decided to wait for TEN’s future to be clarified to maximise competition tension and get the best possible deal.

Nine recently sold touring arm Nine Live which positions it well for assets and the network has always seen Live sports as essential to the success of Free to Air television.

NRL last secured a $1.1bn contract in 2012 with Nine, FOX Sports.

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