Australian press reports say that Nine is concerned about the impact on its resources and ratings when the Commonwrealth Games, to be staged in Melbourne, and NRL fixtures clash.
Observers had hoped that the situation might provide an opportunity to trial a shorter NRL season instead of the 40 week campaign currently scheduled.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Nine lobbied hard for the NRL to suspend the competition during the Games to avoid an enormous stretch on its resources.
Nine's contract with the League allows it to alter coverage arrangements and broadcast times if it has commitments to an event "of international significance".
