AFL vs NRL and the new TV rights deal | Footy IQ

Christian Welch played 163 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm, won the 2020 premiership, captained the club, sat on the RLPA board — and is now a business analyst at Collingwood AFL. We recorded this bonus episode in Melbourne on State of Origin III day, and we didn't waste the setting. In this episode of Footy IQ, Blake and Chris sit down with Christian to break down the NRL's record-breaking $5.3 billion broadcast deal with Nine and Foxtel/Kayo — announced the same day we recorded — and go deep on the AFL vs NRL commercial gap, what rugby league consistently undersells about itself, Melbourne's Pasifika rugby league community, the Storm's leadership culture, and whether the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs expansion can actually work. This is the business of rugby league, from someone who's been inside both codes. Subscribe to Footy IQ for weekly NRL analysis, tactical breakdowns and the story behind the story. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts — search Footy IQ. This episode is proudly brought to you by @TCLAUSNZ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sporting News Australia tells stories about sport that go beyond the score, bringing fans closer to the athletes, codes and moments that actually matter. Leaning into rugby league and combat sports, we break down the tactics, personalities and pressure points shaping Australian and global sport. You’ll find in-depth analysis, documentaries, interviews, explainers and live coverage built for fans who want more than highlight reels. Subscribe for new videos every week and join a community of sports fans who want smarter conversation, better context and stories that respect your time. 📲 More from Sporting News Australia INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sportingnewsau/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportingnewsau FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SportingNewsAU/