Peter Psaltis: 'Commentary gives you a real buzz'

Good commentators add to any sporting moment, and commentator extraordinaire Peter Psaltis is determined to help develop future commentators.

Queensland Rugby League, this year the host broadcaster for the Intrust Super Cup, has launched a commentator development program with Nine Wide World of Sports and Intrust Super Cup commentator Psaltis as the program mentor.

The program, providing structure and pathway for commentators across all levels of the game, is aimed at creating opportunities for the development of aspiring commentators as well as creating an aligned and consistent approach to commentary across Queensland.

"I think the best part about it is giving people an opportunity, both lovers of rugby league and those who have a passion for commentary, to be able to ply their trade and be able to learn along the way," Psaltis said. 

"With so many games that are going to be broadcast across so many different platforms, there's really never been an opportunity like this... to be able to work inside the game, call the game and improve the craft of commentary."

Psaltis, who has been calling Cup games for 10 years with Channel 9 and commentating for nearly 20 years, said he was truly excited about the whole thing. 

"This is a great opportunity because there hasn't really been anything like this in the past for people to be able to work and get guidance while calling various grades of football," Psaltis reinforced. 

"Commentary gives you a real buzz... I know that when you're calling a game and you get that big moment, no matter where it is... whether it's a representative game, an underage game, an NRL game or an Intrust Super Cup or BHP Premiership game... it really doesn't matter. To be able to be there and to relay the big moments to the viewers is something that's pretty special."

Psaltis said looking back, the importance of commentary was evident. 

"You have a look back at some of the great moments in sport - not just rugby league, but in sport... what happened on the field is one thing, but the commentary in my opinion adds to it. A good commentator is able to add to the moment," Psaltis said. 

"Think of Mark Coyne's try and Ray Warren saying 'that's not a try, that's a miracle'... you think of all the great commentators from different sports all over the world... what they're able to bring really tops off what the athletes - in our case, the rugby league players - are doing out there in the middle."

QRL senior digital manager Mitch Wilson said commentators of all skill sets, experience and aspirations were encouraged to apply for the program. 

"I'd like to encourage anyone who wants to be part of the QRL's commentary team, has aspirations to commentate rugby league or involved in other on-screen content production roles to apply for this program," Wilson said. 

"We will be appointing commentary roles across our full broadcast schedule directly from participants in this program, which includes regional competitions, representative fixtures and QRL statewide competitions including Intrust Super Cup.

"The program is as much about developing commentary talent as it is creating an aligned and consistent approach in rugby league content for fans."

The recruitment of commentators for QRL broadcasts will be exclusively from program participants; the broadcast schedule will include all QRL statewide competitions and select regional or community fixtures.

Program overview

• Interactive workshop nights featuring guest speakers
• Demo recording session with QRL's Digital team
• Access to one-on-one coaching with Peter Psaltis
• Networking opportunities with leaders in the broadcast industry and experienced commentators
• Opportunity to be recruited for QRL broadcasts

To apply, please click here.