An action-packed showdown awaits tonight on Hisense Thursday Night Footy as the desperate Raiders try to recapture their winning form against the high-flying Rabbitohs on NRL Round 8 on Nine.
After winding back the clock to engineer a breathtaking comeback win against the Titans last week, Souths five-eighth Benji Marshall will again hope to star tonight, reminding the football world just what he is still capable of at the age of 36.
His opposing number, Jack Wighton, will be also be primed for a big game to get the Raiders back on track in the top eight and push his claim for a NSW Origin jersey.
While recent form favours the Rabbitohs, the Raiders will gain confidence from a raucous home crowd – and the fact that they have won six of their past eight matches against the Bunnies.
VB Friday Night Footy ushers in a battle of Queensland when the Titans face the Broncos in the local derby at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane recall Anthony Milford, hoping he has finally found his mojo to spark a win for them after controversially being dropped to reserve grade in recent weeks.
Gold Coast talisman Anthony Don regains his place on the wing, and his prolific try-scoring habits are needed as they push for a spot in the top eight.
Finally, on Chemist Warehouse Sunday Footy, the Dragons host the Tigers in what shapes as an intriguing contest.
Captain and chief playmaker Ben Hunt returns from injury, moving Jack Bird back to his centre position as the Dragons try to bounce back from recent losses.
For the Tigers, with one win this season, it is getting awfully close to do or die. An injection of energy and controlled aggression from Joey Leilua, restored to the backline, might be just the spark they need.
HISENSE THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – RAIDERS v RABBITOHS, LIVE from GIO Stadium
Followed by HISENSE THURSDAY NIGHT KNOCK OFF
Host and commentators:Â James Bracey, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Johnathan Thurston, Allana Ferguson, Brad Fittler, Mat Thompson, Danika Mason.
Sydney                 7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9
Brisbane                 7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9
Melbourne              7.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Adelaide                7.00pm LIVE on 9Gem
Perth                   5.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
MACCA’S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRONCOS v TITANS, LIVE from Suncorp Stadium
Followed by MACCA’S GOLDEN POINT
Host and commentators:Â Erin Molan, Paul Vautin, Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Brad Fittler, Billy Slater, Peter Psaltis, Danika Mason.
Sydney                 7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9
Brisbane                 7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9
Melbourne              7.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Adelaide                7.00pm LIVE on 9Gem
Perth                   5.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY FOOTY – DRAGONS v TIGERS, LIVE from WIN Stadium
Host and commentators:Â James Bracey, Peter Sterling, Andrew Johns, Ruan Sims, Brad Fittler, Mat Thompson, Danika Mason.
Sydney                 3.00pm LIVE on Channel 9
Brisbane                 3.00pm LIVE on Channel 9
Melbourne              3.00pm LIVE on 9Gem
Adelaide                2.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Perth                   1.00pm LIVE on 9Gem
SPORTS SUNDAY – Sunday at 10.00am, LIVE from WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Channel 9. This week: Host James Bracey is joined by former tennis star Casey Dellacqua, formerAustralian cricket captain Mark Taylor and Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons.
SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW – LIVE at 11.00am from WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Channel 9.Host Erin Molan will cover all the Round 8 action so far with Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Paul Gallen, plus special guests.
100% FOOTY – LIVE at 9.50pm Monday on Channel 9. 100% Footy is the home of the strongest opinions in rugby league from the people who count. Phil Gould returns with Paul Gallen, journalist Danny Weidler and host James Bracey.
