Nine targets Ferguson, SBW in search for star rugby talent
Nine targets Ferguson, SBW in search for star rugby talent
By Sam Phillips
January 5, 2021 — 12.01am
Allana Ferguson is set to become one of Nine's female rugby panellists as the broadcaster locks in big names and fresh perspectives in a new approach to covering the sport.
The former Jillaroo isn't the only cross-code star in Nine's sights, with discussions still ongoing with Sonny Bill Williams' camp.
Williams had surgery on a neck injury picked up playing for the Roosters late last year and will not make a call regarding his future in rugby league or boxing until a meeting with his neurosurgeon in the next month.
But he remains a target for Nine, the owner of this masthead, regardless of whether he plays or fights on this year.
Ferguson's television career has been on the rise since she called time on her playing career in 2018 and became part of Nine's rugby league broadcast team.
She made her name with the Jillaroos before being scouted by the Australian Rugby Sevens coaching staff in 2013. She had planned to push for a spot in the squad that won the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medal before injury cut her dream short.
The team tasked with putting together the commentary crew is keen to have a significant female presence on the panels and has identified Ferguson as one of the women for the job. She would have to juggle both rugby and rugby league commitments if she took the role.
While Ferguson and Williams are yet to be locked in by Nine, the Herald has learnt some familiar faces have signed on the dotted line.
Popular caller Sean Maloney has been locked in as the network's new voice of rugby and Nick McArdle will be the main host of the broadcast on Nine and Stan Sport.
Wallabies great Tim Horan has been secured as a panellist, while Andrew Swain will be a secondary caller and a senior producer. Former Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell is also on board.
The format of Nine and Stan's shows away from the broadcast of Friday and Saturday night Super Rugby matches - as well as Wallabies Tests - is less clear.
Stan Sport is believed to be pushing for an exclusive midweek show.
