Recent events in the NRL and the broader media landscape are capturing the attention of league executives and fans alike. One significant incident involves Andrew Johns, a prominent commentator, who staged a silent protest during a Wests Tigers game. This action was triggered by prop Fonua Pole being sin-binned for a high tackle, a decision Johns vehemently disagreed with, labeling the increasing use of sin bins for high tackles as "absolutely farcical." Johns's protest, which saw him remain silent for the final 23 minutes of the game, underscores the growing tension around the interpretation and enforcement of high tackle rules in the NRL.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has acknowledged the issues, admitting the bunker's over-involvement in game-day decisions and a "slight overreaction" following missed incidents earlier in the season. Abdo pointed out a significant increase in high tackles this season, rising from 201 to 379 by round eight, leading to more penalties and sin-bins. He called for greater discipline from players and clubs to prioritize player safety, while also emphasizing the need for the bunker to limit its intervention to serious acts of foul play or clear errors.

Meanwhile, in the business realm of the NRL, the league is gearing up for a multibillion-dollar broadcast rights bidding war. This comes as DAZN, the new owner of Foxtel, faces a dispute with France's top football league over a terminated broadcast contract. The NRL is keenly observing this situation as it prepares to negotiate its own media rights deal, aiming to significantly increase its value from 2028 onwards. Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys has expressed his intent to bridge the revenue gap with the AFL, positioning the NRL as a more valuable competition.

While Foxtel is expected to be a key player in the upcoming negotiations, along with Nine, streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are reportedly not considering a bid. DAZN's financial sustainability has also been under scrutiny due to substantial losses, despite investments from its majority owner, Sir Leonard Blavatnik, and a minority stake from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s SURJ Sports Investment. The NRL is proceeding cautiously, with no intention of agreeing to subscriber or revenue targets with potential broadcast partners.