NRL and AFL fans will be able to choose which version of The Footy Show they watch live each week.
Channel 9 has announced it will stream both versions of the show on its streaming service 9Now.
It means AFL fans in New South Wales and Queensland, and NRL fans from other states will be able to choose to watch the alternative version of the show live for the first time.
In the past, fans of 'the other code' have had to wait for 'very late night' replays.
Key points:
- The NRL Footy Show returned to screens last Thursday, it airs every week immediately after the Thursday night game effectively as a post-game show
- While viewers in Victoria got the game on 9Gem, the coverage cut off abruptly before The NRL Footy Show
- The AFL Footy Show returns this Thursday night with Craig Hutchison replacing James Brayshaw as co-host alongside Rebecca Maddern and Sam Newman.
- Richmond player Alex Rance has joined The AFL Footy Show cast
- The AFL Show is introducing a player takeover on Twitter, @PlayerTakeover, with a different star live tweeting the show each week, this week beginning with Crows captain Taylor 'Tex' Walker
- The AFL Show is in its 24th year, and will be again forced to move to Wednesday nights on occasions when the AFL has Thursday night games