Watch the 2024 NRL Finals live and free on Channel 9 or stream on 9NOW. Get full access to every match, expert analysis, and exclusive coverage.
The race to be crowned the 2024 NRL champions is heating up, and Nine Network is the exclusive destination to catch every match live and free.
With eight teams remaining, the NRL Finals Series begins this Friday night at 7.00pm AEST, starting with the clash between the Panthers and Roosters, marking the start of Wide World of Sports‘ comprehensive coverage across Channel 9 and 9Now.
The action-packed series will culminate in the NRL Grand Final, with every moment leading up to it broadcast exclusively on Nine.
James Bracey, the regular host of NRL on Nine, will be joined by an expert panel of past NRL premiership winners, including Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, Brad Fittler, Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Paul Vautin, and Sonny Bill Williams.
This seasoned team will provide comprehensive analysis and commentary throughout the finals. Adding to the broadcast team are rugby league internationals Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, as well as sideline reporters Danika Mason and Emma Lawrence. Commentary will come from a line-up of seasoned voices including Mathew Thompson, Brenton Speed, and Peter Psaltis.
Saturday Double-Header
The weekend action begins with a Saturday double-header, led by the Melbourne Storm, this year’s minor premiers, taking on the Cronulla Sharks. The winner secures a week off and advances to the preliminary final. Later in the day, the Cowboys face off against the Knights in a do-or-die elimination final in Townsville, where Kalyn Ponga and his team will aim to overcome the home side.
Sunday brings a high-stakes match-up as the Bulldogs, making their return to finals football after an eight-year absence, take on the Sea Eagles, bolstered by the return of star fullback Tom Trbojevic.
Team Insights and Expert Predictions
In the lead-up to the finals, the panel of experts has weighed in on the form and prospects of each team.
Billy Slater praised the Melbourne Storm for their ability to manage the intense pressures of finals football. He highlighted their strong game management and pointed to halfback Jahrome Hughes as key to their success. According to Slater, “They can suffocate teams with relentless pressure… but have an ability to pull the trigger when needed.”
For the Penrith Panthers, Phil Gould emphasised their dominance, noting their presence in four consecutive Grand Finals and three straight premierships. “They are very comfortable in the pressure-cooker of finals football,” Gould remarked, while also praising Nathan Cleary, who he called “the best ‘big moment’ player in the NRL.”
The Roosters, according to Brad Fittler, are battling adversity, having lost key players due to injury. However, he remains hopeful about their resilience: “This team will lift for them,” he said, referring to departing stars like Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Despite flying under the radar, the Sharks have impressed Paul Gallen with their consistency and determination. Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall will be pivotal, with Gallen stating, “They’ll need to go to a new level to beat the Storm, Panthers and Roosters.”
Andrew Johns sees the Sea Eagles as the team with the potential to disrupt the favourites if Tom Trbojevic can remain fit, while Johnathan Thurston believes the Cowboys have what it takes to challenge the top teams if they focus on defence.
Meanwhile, Sonny Bill Williams applauds the Bulldogs for their gritty performances this season but questions whether their resilience alone will carry them to a premiership.
Darren Lockyer was impressed by the Knights, particularly Kalyn Ponga‘s form, and emphasised that strong defence will be crucial for their success.
Broadcast Schedule
Nine’s live broadcast schedule kicks off with Friday’s Panthers v Roosters qualifying final, followed by two matches on Saturday, including the Storm v Sharks showdown and the elimination final between the Cowboys and Knights. On Sunday, the Bulldogs v Sea Eagles clash rounds off the opening weekend of finals.
Nine Network will offer full live coverage on Channel 9HD and via 9Now, allowing fans across Australia to stream every game of the 2024 NRL Finals Series free of charge.
2024 NRL Finals Series Schedule
Friday, September 13
- Panthers (2) v Roosters (3) – 7.00pm (LIVE on Channel 9HD, 9Now)
Saturday, September 14
- Storm (1) v Sharks (4) – 3.15pm (LIVE on Channel 9HD, 9Now)
- Cowboys (5) v Knights (8) – 7.00pm (LIVE on Channel 9HD, 9Now)
Sunday, September 15
- Bulldogs (6) v Sea Eagles (7) – 3.30pm (LIVE on Channel 9HD, 9Now)
