Channel 9 has unveiled an extensive, day-long coverage plan for the anticipated 2023 NRL Grand Final on Sunday, October 1.
Two of the season’s most outstanding teams, the Penrith Panthers and the Brisbane Broncos, are set to clash in what promises to be a grand spectacle of rugby league action.
Leading the narrative, the Penrith Panthers stand tall, marching forward with dreams of a historic third consecutive title. The formidable quartet of Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo, and Stephen Crichton provide the backbone to a team that’s clearly been the season’s standout. They’re contrasted by the pulsating energy of the Brisbane Broncos. Paced by their phenomenal fullback Reece “Reece Lightning” Walsh, the Broncos are hungry, seeking their first premiership glory after a prolonged 17-year wait.
Fans can begin tuning into Channel 9HD and 9Now starting at 6.30pm AEDT for the pinnacle event. However, that’s just the climax of a marathon 16-hour broadcast which kicks off at 7.00am AEDT. This begins with the lively Weekend Today show, morphs into the informative Sports Sunday, and further builds anticipation with the Sunday Footy Show.
But before the primary showdown, there are appetizers aplenty. The State Championship Grand Final, putting the South Sydney Rabbitohs against the Brisbane Tigers, is slated for 1.20pm AEDT. This will be followed by a fierce contest in the NRLW Grand Final where the Newcastle Knights will lock horns with the Gold Coast Titans at 3.55pm AEDT.
In an attempt to revolutionize the viewing experience, 9Now will deploy dedicated player cameras, primarily focusing on two of the most electrifying players this season, Reece Walsh of the Broncos and Jarome Luai from the Panthers. Their recent tension-filled encounter during the State of Origin only adds fuel to this fiery subplot.
No coverage of such magnitude is complete without an elite commentary team. Channel 9 has rallied a veritable who’s who of rugby league. Combining for an eye-watering 48 Grand Final appearances, this lineup comprises industry stalwarts like James Bracey, Danika Mason, Emma Lawrence, Marlee Silva, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Paul Gallen, Billy Slater, Phil Gould AM, Sam Thaiday, Ruan Sims, and Allana Ferguson.
Guiding audiences through the live matches will be the triad of Mat Thompson (NRL), Brenton Speed (NRLW), and Peter Psaltis (NRL State Championship).
For those longing for an insider’s view, post-match segments promise an exclusive entry into the winning team’s celebratory moments, taking audiences right into the heart of euphoria in the dressing rooms.
Breaking down the extensive broadcast plan for Sunday, October 1:
- WEEKEND TODAY SHOW: 7.00am AEDT – A breakfast rendezvous with Clint Stanaway, Jayne Azzopardi, and legends like Darren Lockyer and Ruan Sims.
- SPORTS SUNDAY: 10.00am AEDT – A detailed analysis with host Roz Kelly, joined by the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Brad Fittler.
- SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW: 11.00am AEDT – Danika Mason, Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, and Brad Fittler present a grand edition, walking through the highlights of the 2023 season.
- NRL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL: 1.20pm AEDT – The title decider with expert comments from the likes of Phil Gould and Darren Lockyer.
- NRLW GRAND FINAL: 3.55pm AEDT – Women’s rugby league at its finest with commentary spearheaded by Ruan Sims and Brad Fittler.
- 9NEWS: 6.00pm AEDT – A special bulletin laying down the day’s most impactful stories.
- PRE-MATCH ENTERTAINMENT: 6.30pm AEDT – A nostalgic nod to Tina Turner, celebrating 30 years since her iconic performance, coupled with captivating
