Channel Nine will air four free to air matches live each week from 2018 in a new $925million deal with the network that will also see one State of Origin match played on a Sunday in a stand-alone representative weekend.

Matches on Nine will be played Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 4pm.

NRL CEO Dave Smith said on Monday morning that there was plenty more money to come.

“And we still have simulcast rights, pay tv, New Zealand and international television rights to be negotiated,” Smith said.

“So the future of the game is in great shape.”

Smith added that the NRL would once again have more control over what matches will be screen on free to air.

“We will be able to schedule the best games when fans want to see them and ensure all clubs receive the coverage they deserve on free to air television.”

There are still plenty of pieces to the puzzle ahead including the digital aspect which Smith touched on.

“The digital media market is changing rapidly and it is our view that new and exciting opportunities will develop with Fox Sports and other providers,” he said.

“By 2018, the digital world will be very different and we want to be in the best possible position to take advantage of any changes.

“So negotiations with the pay tv and digital providers will continue and, again, our focus will be on ensuring the most widespread coverage on whatever platform fans choose to watch rugby league.”