Round 6
With four live games, including a re-match of the 2018 grand final, there is no better way for rugby league fans to enjoy the Easter long weekend than with NRL on Nine.
The action kicks off with the Cronulla Sharks taking on the Penrith Panthers on Macca’s Thursday Night Footy, with both teams battling for momentum after only two wins apiece to start the season. The Sharks are boosted with the return of their talisman Paul Gallen and hooker Wayde Egan.
Embattled Panthers coach Ivan Cleary will be drawing up a new playbook to get his team to fire. Viliame Kikau provided a spark against the Titans last week when the Panthers needed it, despite going down, and will be aiming up against a tough Sharks pack. Nathan Cleary has also looked dangerous at times as he searches for the consistency that made him an Origin player last year.
Good Friday Footy provides the traditional Easter duel between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs. Though up and down this season, the Bulldogs have proven that on their day they can be lethal.
While Greg Inglis has retired, Cody Walker was outstanding for the Rabbitohs last round with four tries against the Warriors, and Adam Reynolds has kicked as many goals as anyone this season.
The Bulldogs must tighten up their defence, with Aiden Tolman, Corey Harawira-Naera and their other forwards needing to match the intensity of the Burgess brothers to have any chance of upsetting the Rabbbitohs.
VB Friday Night Footy features the biggest game of the season to date as the Roosters, the reigning premiers, travel to Melbourne for the grand final re-match. With the teams positioned first and second on the ladder, a big crowd is expected at AAMI Park as the Roosters look to inflict the first loss of the season on the Storm.
The premiers are without classy centre Joseph Manu due to suspension, but buoyed by the return of prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. It is likely to be a hostile reception for halfback Cooper Cronk, who returns to his old stomping ground in different colours.
Melbourne and their captain Cameron Smith will be keen for a measure of revenge. Winger Suliasu Vunivalu is back, while Jahrome Hughes has made the fullback position his own after superstar Billy Slater’s retirement and given the Storm a new facet to their potent attack.
On Chemist Warehouse Sunday Footy, the surprise packet of the 2019 season, the third-placed Canberra Raiders, defend home turf against the Brisbane Broncos.
The Broncos have failed to fire under new coach Anthony Seibold and there is increasing pressure on the halves pairing of Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima to turn their fortunes around.
Josh Papalii and Joseph Leilua have been spectacular for the Green Machine in recent weeks, and will look to continue their dynamic form at home and keep Canberra on their winning ways.
Broadcast Times
Tonight – Thursday, April 18
Sharks vs Panthers
Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine
Brisbane 7.30pm LIVE on Nine
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on 9GEM
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM
Perth 5.30pm LIVE on 9GEM
Friday – April 19
Bulldogs vs Rabbitohs
Sydney 3.00pm LIVE on Nine
Brisbane 3.00pm LIVE on Nine
Melbourne 3.00pm LIVE on 9GEM
Adelaide 2.30pm LIVE on 9GEM
Perth 1.00pm LIVE on 9GEM
Storm vs Roosters
Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine
Brisbane 7.30pm LIVE on Nine
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on 9GEM
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM
Perth 5.30pm LIVE on 9GEM
Sunday – April 21
Raiders vs Broncos
Sydney 3.00pm LIVE on Nine
Brisbane 3.00pm LIVE on Nine
Melbourne 3.00pm LIVE on 9GO!
Adelaide 2.30pm LIVE on 9GEM
Perth 1.00pm LIVE on 9GEM
FOUR DAYS OF FOOTY LIVE ON NINE
THURSDAY, APRIL 18:
- MACCA’S THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – Sharks vs Panthers, LIVE from PointsBet Stadium at 7.30pm AEST on Nine.
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Ruan Sims, Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, Paul Vautin, Danika Mason, Mat Thompson.
MACCA’S GOLDEN POINT – LIVE following Sharks vs Panthers from PointsBet Stadium. It explores the big stories to come out the game, and features exclusive behind-the-scenes access to players and coaches on the field and in the sheds.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19:
- GOOD FRIDAY FOOTY – Bulldogs vs Rabbitohs , LIVE from ANZ Stadium at 3.00pm AEST on Nine.
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Ray Warren, Paul Vautin, Peter Sterling, Darren Lockyer, Ruan Sims, Johnathan Thurston.
- VB FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – Storm vs Roosters , LIVE from AAMI Park at 7.30pm AEST on Nine.
Host and commentators: Erin Molan, Phil Gould, Brad Fittler, Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Sam Thaiday, Mat Thompson.
- FRIDAY NIGHT KNOCK OFF – LIVE following Storm vs Roosters from AAMI Park. 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, APRIL 21:
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SPORTS SUNDAY – Sunday at 10.00am AEST, LIVE on Nine. This week: host Liz Ellis is joined by regulars Peter FitzSimons and Neil Breen, with guests including former basketball star Shane Heal, GWS netball captain Caitlin Bassett and Jelena Dokic to discuss Federation Cup tennis – plus a cross to Bells Beach for a Rip Curl Pro update.
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SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW – LIVE from 11.00am AEST on Nine. Host Erin Molan will cover all the Round 6 action so far with Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Sam Thaiday.
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SUNDAY FOOTY – Canterbury Cup NSW: Newtown Jets vs Penrith Panthers, LIVE from Henson Park at 1.00pm AEST on Nine for NSW viewers ONLY.
Hosts and commentators: Peter Psaltis, Jamie Soward, Danika Mason.
- SUNDAY FOOTY – Intrust Super Cup: Redcliife Dolphins vs Tweet Seagulls, LIVE from Dolphin Stadium at 1.00pm AEST on Nine for QLD viewers ONLY.
Hosts and commentators: Scott Sattler, Mark Braybrook, Adam Jackson.
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CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY KICK OFF – LIVE from GIO Stadium at 3.00pm AEST on Nine ahead of Chemist Warehouse Sunday Footy . A preview of the upcoming action from the best minds in the game.
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CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY FOOTY – Raiders vs Broncos, LIVE from GIO Stadium at 4.00pm AEST on Nine.
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Ruan Sims, Darren Lockyer, Mat Thompson.
MONDAY, APRIL 22:
- 100% FOOTY – 10.50pm AEST 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.
*** Check local guides for details. Times will differ.*
PODCAST – SIX TACKLES WITH GUS
James Bracey discusses the biggest rugby league issues of the week with rugby league legend and expert commentator Phil Gould on Six Tackles with Gus .
This week:
- The process clubs go through to procure and develop top talent
- What the future looks like for Greg Inglis and the South Sydney Rabbitohs
Podcast available for download here: Round 6 – Six Tackles with Gus