The hot-streak Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles get their litmus test against the heavyweight Parramatta Eels to cap off NRL Round 11 on Nine this week.
But first, the Cowboys meet the Knights tonight on Hisense Thursday Night Footy in a crucial game for both sides who need to find some consistency in a hurry.
The Cowboys bring in NRL debutant forward Heilum Luki on the benchfor the injured Coen Hess, while Newcastle have named Brayden Musgrove on the wing.
Macca’s Friday Night Footy sees the Sharks taking on the depleted Dragons in what still promises to be another fiery local derby.
Cronulla are banking on the return of injured star Shaun Johnson and hoping prop forward Andrew Fifita plays up to the form he showed last week in his first game of the season.
The Dragons shift crafty youngster Cody Ramsey to fullback to cover for the suspensions and injuries that have ravaged their roster, one of several positional changes.
On Chemist Warehouse Sunday Footy, a bumper crowd awaits the Eels and Sea Eagles in a mouth-watering showdown at Bankwest Stadium.
The Eels have been truly electric this season, holding second place on the ladder, with Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson pulling the strings on a run of great performances.
They face arguably the hottest team in the NRL right now, with dynamic fullback Tom Trbojevic transforming the Sea Eagles since his return, while speedy winger Jason Saab has been shining at the tryline.
HISENSE THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – COWBOYS v KNIGHTS, LIVE from Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Followed by HISENSE THURSDAY NIGHT KNOCK OFF
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Brad Fittler, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Ruan Sims, Andrew Johns, Peter Psaltis.
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 – SHARKS v DRAGONS, LIVE from Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Followed by MACCA’S GOLDEN POINT
Host and commentators: Erin Molan, Phil Gould, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer, Ruan Sims, Paul Gallen, Mat Thompson
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 – EELS v SEA EAGLES, LIVE from Bankwest Stadium
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Ray Warren, Andrew Johns, Peter Sterling, Allana Ferguson, Brad Fittler, Sam Thaiday.
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 on Channel 9. This week: host James Bracey is joined by Paralympian Christie Dawes, former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor,and Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons. Special guests include three-time Hawthorn AFL premiership winner and Celebrity Apprentice star Josh Gibson, former Wallaby Drew Mitchell, and Nine’s NRL commentator, Peter Sterling.
SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW – LIVE at 11.00am on Channel 9.Host Erin Molan will cover all the Round 11 action so far with Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Sam Thaiday,plus special guests.
100% FOOTY – LIVE at 10.00pm 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.
WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS RADIO ON 2GB & 4BC
- The WWOS TV brand that sports fans love has its very own radio show. From 6.00pm-7.00pm AEDT Monday to Thursday, hosts Mark Levy (2GB) and Peter Psaltis (4BC) talk with the biggest names in the world of Australian sport, including regular weekly guests:
- Monday: Billy Slater (2GB), Paul Vautin (4BC)
- Tuesday: Paul Gallen (2GB)
- Wednesday: Brad Fittler (2GB)
- Thursday: Ken Sutcliffe (2GB), Johnathan Thurston (4BC)
PODCAST – SIX TACKLES WITH GUS
- James Bracey discusses the biggest issues of the week with rugby league legend and expert commentator Phil Gould on Six Tackles with Gus.
This week:
- Gus’s concerns with the direction the game is headed in following the controversial concussion crackdown.
- Advice for NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler regarding a key Origin team selection
Six Tackles with Gus – Podcast Available NOW on Spotify, Apple and Omny
Live and on-demand streaming for Channel 9’s NRL programming available on 9Now