Fairfax Media has been told that Channel Nine is keen on a bunker concept similar to those used in the NFL, NBA and NHL as it will reduce the amount of stoppage time in games and reduce delays to program scheduling on the network, particularly the 6pm news that follows the live 4pm Sunday afternoon game.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg has recommended the central command centre be introduced after being trialled at 14 matches this season but there have been reservations over the cost.

However, the NRL's windfall from the new five year broadcast deal with Nine, which includes an advance of $50 million in 2017, and the network's support for the concept should ensure it is given the green light.

Rather than wait for a television director to call up camera angles of the incident for the video referee to check, officials in the bunker would have full control of the vision they want to watch and could make decisions almost as soon as they are asked on some occasions.

It is expected that Nine would have a camera in the central command centre and could show the decision making process before crossing to an official who would explain the reasons behind the call.

There is also the opportunity for the network to sell advertising or sponsorship for the video referee bunker.

A day after the record five year free-to-air deal was announced, most in the game were still unsure of the finer details but pleased that the NRL had been able to negotiate a figure with Nine that had exceeded most expectations and regained control of the scheduling.

Fairfax Media understands the agreement was written on a single piece of paper and included just a few key points:

* that Nine would pay $925 million to broadcast four matches per week live on Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon;

* Origin II would be played on the Sunday night of a stand alone representative weekend;

* the premiership would be reduced from 26 weeks to 25 weeks through a reduction in byes and split rounds;

* the deal would be discounted by $25 million per year if Fox Sports took up an offer to simulcast the four free-to-air matches.

With Monday Night Football to be phased out when the current deal ends in 2017, the NRL would consider any approach by Fox Sports to move the match to another time slot earlier but has a contractual obligation to continue scheduling matches on Monday nights if the pay-TV broadcaster wants to continue.

A Fox Sports spokesperson said the network would not comment on scheduling or rights issues while negotiations for a new deal were continuing with the NRL but ratings have been strong for MNF and the game leads in to the Matty Johns Show, which is the network's highest rating sports magazine show.

It has been speculated that Fox Sports plans to introduce a 24-hour NRL station if they retain the pay-TV rights and The Matty Johns Show could be switched to Thursday night to go head to head with Nine's The Footy Show.

There is also confusion about the future of the annual City-Country clash and how the trans-Tasman Test will fit into the end of season international calendar after being moved from mid-season.

Due to significance of the deal, all but a small number of people were caught by surprise by the NRL and Nine's joint announcement at 8.30am Monday.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith and Nine boss David Gyngell were obviously key figures in the negotiations.

Others involved from the NRL side were head of strategy and investment Andrew Fraser, general counsel Eleni North and Clayton Utz partner Kate Jordan.

Former Nine CEO Jeff Browne acted as an advisor for the network, while Nine's commercial director Amanda Laing and general counsel Rachel Launders were heavily involved as negotiations intensified over the previous 10 days.