The 2020 NRL season is here and broadcast rights holder Nine Entertainment Co have previewed what’s in store for their TV and radio coverage for round one.
This season will feature new rules such as the captain’s challenge and Nine will also debut new broadcasting techniques such as the crossbar cam.
The first match of the season will be the bookmakers darling the Parramatta Eels who face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs who are currently marred in controversy due to the schoolgirl scandal involving two of its players.
VB Friday Night is the Queensland darby with the North-Queensland Cowboys up against the Brisbane Broncos at the Cowboy’s new home venue, Queensland Country Back Stadium.
One of the other great modern rivalries writes another chapter on Chemist Warehouse Sunday Footy when the Manly Sea-Eagles take on the Melbourne Storm at Lottoland.
Nines previewed its round one coverage below:
THURSDAY, MARCH 12:
MACCA’S THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – Eels vs Bulldogs, live from Bankwest Stadium at 7.30pm AEDT on Nine.
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Ray Warren, Paul Vautin, Ruan Sims, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, Danika Mason, Billy Slater.
MACCA’S GOLDEN POINT – Live from Bankwest Stadium following Eels vs Bulldogs. It explores the big stories to come from the game and has exclusive behind-the-scenes access to players and coaches on the field and in the sheds.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13:
VB FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – Cowboys vs Broncos, Live from Queensland Country Bank Stadium at 7.30pm AEDT on Nine.
Host and commentators: Erin Molan, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Johnathan Thurston, Danika Mason, Darren Lockyer, Brad Fittler, Mat Thompson.
FRIDAY NIGHT KNOCK OFF – Live from Queensland Country Bank Stadium following Cowboys vs Broncos. It explores the big stories to come from the game and has exclusive behind-the-scenes access to players and coaches on the field and in the sheds.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15:
SPORTS SUNDAY – Sunday at 10.00am AEDT, Live on Nine. This week: host James Bracey is joined by Peter Fitzsimons, Australian netball legend Liz Ellis, former AFL champion Shane Crawford, SMH journalist Georgina Robinson, and more.
SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW – Live from 11.00am AEDT on Nine. Host Erin Molan will cover all the Round 1 action so far with Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler, Sam Thaiday and Nine journalist Jake Duke. Plus a live cross to Billy Slater at Lottoland ahead of Sea Eagles vs Storm.
SUNDAY FOOTY – Canterbury Cup NSW: Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs, live from Campbelltown Stadium at 1.00pm AEDT on Nine for NSW viewers only.
Hosts and commentators: Jamie Soward, Danika Mason, Matt de Groot.
SUNDAY FOOTY – Intrust Cup QLD: Burleigh Bears vs Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Live from Pizzey Park at 12.00pm AEDT Nine for QLD viewers only.
Hosts and commentators: Peter Psaltis, Scott Sattler, Adam Jackson.
CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY FOOTY – Sea Eagles vs Storm, live from Lottoland at 3.00pm AEDT on Nine.
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Peter Sterling, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, Allana Ferguson, Billy Slater, Mat Thompson.
MONDAY, MARCH 16:
100% FOOTY – 10.00pm AEDT on Nine. 100% Footy is the home of the strongest opinions in rugby league from the people who count. Phil Gould returns with Paul Gallen, alongside Darren Lockyer, journalist Neil Breen and host James Bracey.
WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS RADIO ON 2GB & 4BC
The WWOS TV brand that sports fans love has its very own radio show. From 6.00pm-7.00pm AEDT Monday to Thursday, host Mark Levy chats with the biggest names in the world of Australian sport, including weekly guests:
• Mondays: Billy Slater
• Tuesdays: Paul Gallen
• Wednesdays: Brad Fittler
• Thursdays: Ken Sutcliffe
PODCAST – SIX TACKLES WITH GUS
James Bracey discusses the biggest issues of the week with rugby league legend and expert commentator Phil Gould on Six Tackles with Gus.
This week:
• Who have Bracey and Gould tipped for the season opener?
• What are the possible effects of coronavirus on the game and players?
• What does Gus think of the NRL’s vision for the sport?