From East to West, the Sunshine State and across the ditch to New Zealand, NRL on Nine is the place to be over the Easter weekend, with four games live and free from Thursday on Channel 9HD and 9Now.
Round 4 starts with the NRL’s best from the West, the Penrith Panthers, travelling to Allianz Stadium in the city to play the Bondi Boys, the Sydney Roosters.
Having claimed five of the past six premierships, another high-octane clash is in prospect when these outstanding clubs built on success line up in Thursday Night Football from 7.30pm AEDT.
The live commentary is hosted by James Bracey, with the Eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns, joining Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater, and fellow premiership winners Phil “Gus” Goul and Paul Gallen. Sideline updates come from Roosters legend Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.
Good Friday Football is an absorbing double-header from 3.00pm, starting with the winless Rabbitohs desperately chasing the chocolates against the improving Bulldogs in their annual Easter Show grudge match. Can Latrell Mitchell get a rise out of his rabbits, or will Stephen Chrichton and his dogs be barking loudest?
Completing the double-header is a real doozy: the Broncos and Cowboys in the annual Queensland derby from 7.30pm AEDT/6.30pm AEST.
This clash that traditionally brings out the best in both clubs shapes as a flex-your-premiership-credentials encounter at Suncorp Stadium. Slick Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has a big task on his hands rounding up flying Broncos Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam.
Queensland, Broncos and Cowboys legends Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Paul “Fatty” Vautin, and Darren Lockyer will all feature in Nine’s live coverage of the game.
Sunday Arvo Footy is the fourth game live and free on Nine. The “Up the Wahs” movement that propelled the New Zealand Warriors to the finals in 2023 reignites behind Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Shaun Johnson from 3.00pm AEDT/2.00pm AEST.
Standing in their way are Kalyn Ponga and the Newcastle Knights. Ironically, it was the Warriors who sent the Knights packing in week two of the finals last year, and the Knights would love to serve up some revenge and silence the boisterous Kiwi crowd.
Gus Gould’s NRL on Nine game of the round
Nine NRL expert commentator and multiple premiership-winning coach, Phil “Gus” Gould, said:
“After destroying South Sydney Rabbitohs last weekend, the Sydney Roosters set their sights on the ultimate challenge of taking down the defending three-time premiers, the Penrith Panthers.”
“The Panthers have really had the Roosters’ measure in recent seasons. But the Roosters are in sparkling early-season form and will fancy their chances, especially playing at their magnificent home stadium.”
“Mind you, many have tried to lower the Panther colours and many have failed. The Panthers love the battle.”
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 28
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – ROOSTERS v PANTHERS
Friday, March 29
GOOD FRIDAY FOOTBALL – RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRISBANE BRONCOS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Sunday, March 31
WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – on Channel 9 and 9Now. Roz Kelly, Mark Taylor and Gus Worland.
Sydney 10.00am AEDT, Brisbane 10.00am 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 2.10pm AEDT. Central Qld Capras v Burleigh Bears, available on 9Now pop-up channel live and free.
Nine Queensland rugby league commentator, Peter Psaltis, says:
“Burleigh are set to be a force again in this year’s competition with exciting halves duo Josh Rogers and Guy Hamilton steering the ship. And watch out for flyer Troy Leo in full flight.”
“The Capras will be looking to get the two points at home and push for a spot in the top four. Once one of the competition’s easybeats, the Capras are now one of the best teams to watch in the competition.”
“Get ready for some very entertaining footy.”
SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Monday, April 1st
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 fourth round of the season with host James Bracey. All the latest scoops come from 9News reporter Michael Chammas.
