The Seven Network has faced backlash for airing a Rugby League World Cup promotional ad that shows footage of Socceroos fans celebrating.
The ad, which is voiced by Australian actor and Cairns Crocodiles speaker Daniel McPherson, celebrates great sporting moments that unite a nation, except a good proportion of the footage are football fans rather than rugby league supporters.
B&T understands this was an intentional editorial choice, although fans online are less than convinced with fans calling the decision “weird” and “an absolute disgrace”.
Channel 7 launch RLWC2026 TVC with Daniel McPherson. pic.twitter.com/jgb1scPcpe
— Brad Walter (@BradWalterSport) July 25, 2026
On the social media platform X, Vasilios Pappas tweeted: “What do you expect when only 5 countries play the game and all the others are made up of expats. Absolute disgrace by channel 7 using the real World Cup to promote the thug World Cup.
“The people that put this ad together should be embarrassed,” another posted. Using footage of Socceroos and England fans from the soccer/football WC for the rugby WC. Like people wouldn’t notice. Trying to pass it off as rugby fans. It’s laughable. Get back in the edit room and do it again.”
Simon Hill, an experienced football commentator and broadcaster, added: “From the same mob who’ll be among the first to gleefully nail “soccer” fans at the slightest hint of trouble!”.
Seven declined to comment on the ad. Seven’s coverage of the tournament, which kicks off in October.
