Channel 9’s Wide World of Sports is setting the stage for an electrifying weekend of rugby league, as it gears up to exclusively broadcast the NRL preliminary finals.
The events begin this Friday, with the face-off between defending champions Penrith Panthers and the historically successful Melbourne Storm at 7.00pm from Accor Stadium, Sydney.
These two clubs are powerhouses in the world of rugby league, having secured the last four premierships between them. Friday’s matchup will feature tactical warfare from renowned coaches, pitting Ivan and Nathan Cleary of the Panthers against Storm’s legendary mentor Craig Bellamy and the unpredictable playmaker Cameron Munster.
The underdog narratives take the spotlight on Saturday, as this season’s surprise packages, Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors, compete for a spot in the Grand Final. Kicking off at 7.00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, the match is expected to be electric. Billy Slater, Queensland State of Origin Coach, has tipped the Broncos as premiership favourites.
The excitement isn’t confined to the men’s league. Sunday is earmarked for the NRLW semi-finals, starting at 2.00pm. It’s a day to decide which women’s teams will advance to the Grand Final, with the matchups featuring the Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans.
To round off the weekend, 9Now will exclusively stream a historic NSW Cup Grand Final between North Sydney Bears and South Sydney Rabbitohs at 3.00pm on Sunday. These foundation clubs last clashed in a Grand Final nearly a century ago, back in 1926.
Commentary is in the capable hands of rugby league’s finest minds. Featuring Immortal Andrew Johns, multiple premiership winners Phil Gould AM and Billy Slater, and premiership-winning captains such as Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, and more. The broadcasting team is hosted by James Bracey, Danika Mason, and Allana Ferguson, with sideline reporting from Emma Lawrence and Marlee Silva.
The broadcast schedule spans multiple platforms, including Channel 9HD and 9Now, as well as 9GemHD for viewers in Adelaide and Perth. Don’t miss Monday’s 100% Footy on Channel 9HD for a comprehensive wrap-up of all the weekend’s action.
So whether it’s a titanic clash or a fairy-tale ending, Channel 9 is the only place you can catch all the action, live and free, across an unmissable weekend of rugby league.
