Thursday night the Eels and Raiders meet in a key match-up to start NRL Round 19 on Nine.
The Eels, guarding their top-four spot, have lost key playmaker Mitchell Moses with a back injury and recalled star wing Blake Ferguson, who will be out to show why he can be one of the most lethal strike players in the game.
Jordan Rapana slots into the fullback role for the Raiders, led by the inspirational forward Josh Papalii. While they have been struggling against the top sides, the Raiders are on the improve and confident of a win.
Sound the alarm – Ryan Papenhuyzen, the form player of the season before missing many weeks through concussion, returns on Friday Night Footy to a Storm side that hasn’t missed a beat in his absence.
The reigning premiers, who continue to demolish their opponents, also get Origin stars Josh Addo-Carr and Christian Welch back for the clash with the Cowboys after being rested last week.
The Cowboys, an inconsistent outfit who can trouble the best teams on their day, need a blinder from the electrifying young Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, at fullback again in place of the injured Valentine Holmes.
Sunday Footy pits a Sharks side clinging to the top eight against the Bulldogs, who have shown a bit of bite recently, pushing the Roosters and Rabbitohs in tight contests.
Cronulla will look to Will Kennedy and Ronaldo Mulitalo to carve a way through the Bulldogs, who retain Lachlan Lewis at five-eighth to inject more energy and creativity to a team that has struggled in attack.
HISENSE THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – EELS v RAIDERS, LIVE from Cbus Super Stadium
Followed by HISENSE THURSDAY NIGHT KNOCK OFF
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Allana Ferguson, Brad Fittler, Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, 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
MACCA’S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – COWBOYS v STORM, LIVE from Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Followed by MACCA’S GOLDEN POINT
Host and commentators: Erin Molan, Phil Gould, Brad Fittler, Allana Ferguson, Paul Gallen, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Thaiday, 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
CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY FOOTY – BULLDOGS v SHARKS, LIVE from Cbus Super Stadium
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Peter Sterling, Andrew Johns, Ruan Sims, Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday, 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 on Channel 9. This week: host James Bracey is joined by Australian netball legend Liz Ellis,former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor and Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons, plus special guests.
SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW – LIVE at 11.00am on Channel 9.Host Erin Molan will cover all the Round 19 action so far with Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Ruan Sims,plus special guests.
100% FOOTY – LIVE at 9.40pm 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.