An NRL on Nine nirvana awaits as the Panthers and Broncos set the battle lines for their Grand Final rematch and the game’s greatest rivalry – Roosters v Rabbitohs – resumes in Round 3, starting Thursday on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Nathan Cleary’s spine-tingling Grand Final winning try will provide all the motivation the Reece Walsh-inspired Broncos need when they arrive in Penrith for their Grand Final rematch on Thursday Night Football from 7.30pm AEDT.
The Eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns, is joined in the commentary box by the NRL’s most capped player, Cameron Smith, with fellow Premiership winning captains Paul Gallen, Johnathan Thurston and Brad Fittler at the ground to give viewers exclusive access to the dressing sheds and field of play on Channel 9HD and 9Now.
On Friday Night Footy, the oldest rivalry in rugby league renews in Roosters v Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs, yet to win this season, feature former Dally M medallist Jack Wighton in his club debut, and they would love nothing more than celebrating the union with a win over their most heated rivals.
Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will play his 300th NRL game in a star-studded Roosters squad that poses an ominous threat to the 2024 premiership title.
In commentary, hosted by James Bracey, Andrew Johns is joined by Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, with sideline updates from Roosters legend Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.
Gus Gould’s Round 3 preview
Nine NRL expert commentator and multiple premiership-winning coach, Phil “Gus” Gould, says:
“The 2023 Grand Final produced one of the most exciting and dramatic sporting contests in recent memory.”
“Not to mention, one of the most stunning finishes in rugby league history. It was an electrifying display of rugby league excellence.”
“The Panthers and Broncos are clearly the top two teams in this competition. The battle continues in a Grand Final rematch this Thursday night.”
“The Roosters and Rabbitohs local derby represents the most intense rivalry our game has to offer. This war has been waged ever since rugby league time began. The intensity is palpable.”
“There is always drama when these two great clubs clash, and there is more at stake here than just competition points. The tradition continues this Friday night.”
Sunday Arvo Footy
The fierce Manly and Parramatta rivalry born in the 1970s brings a shade of old school to the new at CommBank Stadium in Sydney for Sunday Arvo Footy at 3.00pm AEDT/2.00pm AEST.
With Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans flying high, the Sea Eagles will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season. But the Eels want to show they are the real deal with an emphatic win orchestrated by Mitch Moses and Clint Gutherson against a major contender.
Coverage of this game will round out celebrations of the NRL’s multicultural round.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 21
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – PENRITH PANTHERS v BRISBANE BRONCOS
Friday, March 22
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – SYDNEY ROOSTERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Sunday, March 24
WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – on Channel 9 and 9Now. Roz Kelly, Mark Taylor and Gus Worland.
Sydney 10.00am AEDT, Brisbane 9.00am AEST, Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth from 12.00pm
THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.
HOSTPLUS QLD CUP – from 4.40pm AEDT. Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins, available on 9Now pop-up channel live and free.
Nine Queensland rugby league commentator Peter Psaltis says:
“This is one of the great clashes between two bitter Brisbane-based rivals, and it’s got even more spice being a clash between the Dolphins and Broncos feeder clubs.”
“It’s a chance to see cult figure Valence Te Whare in action for the Dolphins. He is desperate to impress Wayne Bennett and force his way back into the NRL.”
“This is going to be another great instalment of the battle of the bayside.”
SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – PARRAMATTA EELS v MANLY SEA EAGLES
Monday, March 25
100% Footy – 10.00pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane, stream free or catch-up on 9Now.
Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the third round of the season with host James Bracey. All the latest scoops come from 9News reporter Danny Weidler.
