In a big win for rugby league enthusiasts, Nine’s Wide World of Sports has announced an ambitious broadcasting schedule that promises to redefine the footy landscape.
From this weekend, fans can enjoy nine games of NRL and NRLW live and free every week, streamed on the 9Network and 9Now platforms. This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to boost coverage and increase fan engagement as the regular NRL and NRLW seasons intensify.
A key fixture under this new arrangement will be Saturday Night Footy, now home to some of the season’s most anticipated clashes. Among these is a high-stakes face-off between the Rabbitohs and Sharks, boasting the renowned talents of NRL superstars Latrell Mitchell and Nicho Hynes. As both teams vie for a coveted spot in the finals, this intense match-up is expected to draw a significant viewership.
Kicking off this week’s games is a Thursday night double-header involving the Roosters’ men’s and women’s teams. The Roosters’ women’s squad, featuring the stellar trio of Millie Boyle, Isabelle Kelly, and Jess Sergis, will take the field against the Dragons from 5:30 pm on 9GemHD. This captivating game will undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the week.
Following the women’s match, the Roosters men’s team will challenge the Sea Eagles at 7:30 pm on Channel 9HD. The battle of the birds promises to be a nail-biter as State of Origin captains James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans both aim to propel their respective teams closer to a finals appearance this season. The duel between two such exceptional athletes is expected to deliver some of the round’s most compelling action.
As the centrepiece of the week’s fixtures, Friday Night Footy will witness a showdown of giants when the Panthers, reigning back-to-back premiers, host the Melbourne Storm. With the skilful Nathan Cleary leading the charge, the Panthers are on a seemingly unstoppable trajectory towards a premiership three-peat, buoyed by their robust defence – the best in the league.
However, the Melbourne Storm, spearheaded by Cameron Munster and Harry Grant, are notorious for their resilience and knack for winning big games. This clash between such formidable opponents is a must-watch for any rugby league aficionado.
The weekend’s footy action continues with a Saturday NRLW double-header. Starting at 12:30 pm, fans can tune into a thrilling Queensland derby between the Cowboys and the Broncos. Rugby league legends Johnathan Thurston and Andrew Johns will add their invaluable insights and unique commentary style to the proceedings. Afterward, the women’s game keeps rolling with the Sharks squaring off against the Titans, promising an afternoon of high-calibre sport.
Nine’s ambitious broadcast schedule offers a comprehensive line-up that caters to all rugby league fans. It includes live broadcasts of all matches on Channel 9HD, 9GemHD, and the streaming platform 9Now.
The schedule’s highlights also extend beyond the matches. The Sunday Footy Show will feature at 11:00 am, with insights and analysis from Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, and Danika Mason. Sunday also showcases NRLW action, with key games such as the Eels v Knights and Raiders v Tigers taking centre stage.
This bold move by Nine offers footy fans an unparalleled opportunity to indulge their passion for the sport. The capacity to stream these NRL games for free on 9Now and watch them on Channel 9HD and 9GemHD ensures that the thrilling action of rugby league is accessible to all.
