Nine gets nod for wider NRL coverage

The Nine Network has won approval to show NRL premiership games on its digital multichannels.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull approved the move this week following a request by the broadcaster.

Under the so-called anti-siphoning scheme, free-to-air broadcasters are prevented from televising matches on the anti-siphoning list - which prior to the minister's decision included all matches of the 2014 National Rugby League Premiership - first, or exclusively, on their digital multichannels.

Nine asked the minister to consider removing this season's league matches to enable it and its affiliates to provide live or improved coverage of rounds one to 26 in all markets across Australia.

The network sought permission particularly in relation to the "non-NRL" markets of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania and parts of remote central Australia.