Not if he hates flying!
Maybe he drove his DeLorean instead powered by 1.21 gigawatts from the flux capacitor.
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It’s a wonder why they don’t use the Nine or FOX graphics
I’d say it is because that screen acts partially as a score board and the graphics need to be a bit bigger and more simple than the TV version.
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I agree. You’d probably barely be able to make out the standard TV scoreboard if you were sitting on the opposite end of the stadium to where the screen is!
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Each stadium has their own set up for graphics.
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Mat Thompson called all three of Nine’s games this round.
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Well, the Storm v Cowboys Grand Final rematch this Thursday is scheduled for 9Gem. Guess they didn’t want to risk getting smashed by the AFL season opener on 7.
Have no idea what the NRL were thinking when they decided to make that scheduling decision - it’s not like Richmond v Carlton on the opening night of the AFL season couldn’t have been foreseen
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I’ve noticed Thompson doing more games this season too.
Its been 2 rounds.
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Yes, I’m guessing Ray will only do “marquee” games and that this season will be his last.
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I agree that Ray Warren will most likely retire from NRL commentary at the end of the 2018 season and will only focus on “marquee” games (ie, big matches at Allianz & ANZ that Nine has the rights to + Origin and the finals) this year.
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Ray warren will turn 75 this June and he may need to consider whether he wants to continue nrl calling or signing off.
ROUND 3
THE FOOTY SHOW LIVE FROM AAMI PARK
The raw emotion of the 2017 Grand Final will be revisited when Johnathan Thurston’s Cowboys get their chance to turn the tables on the Storm tomorrow night on Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
Playing on home soil on Thursday Night Football, the Storm are looking to bounce back from an upset loss to the Tigers, with a very motivated Cameron Smith and Billy Slater a dangerous proposition for the visitors.
After a nailbiting loss to the Broncos, the Cowboys will be buoyed by the possible return of backline star Michael Morgan and the promotion of Queensland Origin forward Coen Hess to the starting side.
Nine’s rugby league expert, Peter Sterling, says: “The clash between last year’s grand finalists is always a red-letter game eagerly anticipated. This one has added spice with both clubs unusually coming off a last-start loss, plus we have two of the most talented rosters up against each other and two patient football teams who are prepared to win the game in the last minute – and that may well be the case tomorrow night.”
On Friday Night Football, the story of the season so far in the resurgent Wests Tigers is ready to unfold further when they take on the Broncos at Campbelltown Stadium.
The Tigers have scored underdog wins against the Storm and the Roosters, with new coach Ivan Cleary instilling grit and toughness in a team that struggled in recent seasons.
The Broncos silenced a lot of doubters last week with a thrilling win against the Cowboys and an interesting match-up will play out when the flamboyance of Brisbane’s attack goes up against the impressive defence of the Tigers.
Nine’s rugby league expert, Darren Lockyer, says: “Written off by everyone, the Tigers have provided a total team effort in their two wins to open their premiership account. Scoring points has been an issue, but I believe good defence helps your attack because you don’t need to chase as many points. Front-row signing Ben Matulino has been outstanding and he will be one to watch on Friday night.
“The Broncos brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the fore last week in their win against the Cowboys and will need to replicate that against a side that will not slack off for the entire 80 minutes in front of their home crowd. Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall will be instrumental against his former club and relied on to steady the ship against Anthony Milford, who has a similar playing style.”
On Sunday Afternoon Football, the Titans take their home game against the Dragons to Toowoomba where a battle between two star halfbacks – Dragon Ben Hunt and Toowoomba local junior and Titan young gun Ash Taylor – will play out.
The Dragons got off to a flying start to the year with two strong wins and James Graham leading the way ahead of emerging stars such as Euan Aitken. The Titans look refreshed under coach Garth Brennan and will provide tricky opposition for the Dragons.
Broadcast Times
Thursday 22 March
Storm vs Cowboys
Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 7.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now with pre-match on 9GEM from 6.30pm
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 4.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Friday 23 March
Tigers vs Broncos
Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 7.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now with pre-match on 9GEM from 6.30pm
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 4.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Sunday 25 March
Dragons vs Titans
Sydney 3.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 2.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Melbourne 3.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 2.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 12.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
THE WEEK OF RUGBY LEAGUE ON NINE
THURSDAY:
• THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – Storm vs Cowboys, March 22, from 7.30pm AEDT on Nine and 9Now. Darren Lockyer, Peter Sterling, Paul Vautin, Ray Hadley and host James Bracey will cover all the action for the Storm vs Cowboys at AAMI Park, Live and Free in HD.
• THE NRL FOOTY SHOW – March 22, after the footy. Host Erin Molan is joined by Andrew Johns and Ryan Girdler on the playing field at AAMI Park, along with NRL superstars Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater straight after the game. Beau Ryan dishes out some baby advice to Wests Tigers forward and first-time dad, Chris Lawrence, and Darryl “The Big Marn” Brohman does Small Talk with the Big Marn with the Toowoomba Valley Under 9s.
FRIDAY:
• FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – Tigers vs Broncos, March 23, from 7.30pm AEDT on Nine and 9Now. Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould and host James Bracey are LIVE and FREE in HD with exclusive access to Campbelltown Stadium for the pre-game and post-game shows, including access to the dressing rooms and press conferences following the match.
SATURDAY:
• INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP – 1.00pm Saturday, March 24, on Nine and 9Now in NSW. The next generation of NRL stars will be on show this week when the Wests Magpies play Wyong Roos at Campbelltown Stadium. Caller Joel Caine will be joined by premiership winners Jamie Soward and Benji Marshall.
• INTRUST SUPER CUP – 1.00pm Saturday, March 24, on Nine and 9Now in Queensland. The premier competition for the Sunshine State this week pits the Tweed Heads Seagulls against Burleigh Bears. Former Queensland Origin representative and NRL premiership winner Scott Sattler will be joined by Peter Psaltis and Ben Dobbin.
SUNDAY:
• SPORTS SUNDAY – Sunday, March 25, at 10.00am AEDT, LIVE on Nine. Bold and passionate debate about the biggest issues in the world of sport. Headlined by two of Australia’s leading sports personalities and opinion-makers, Liz Ellis and Peter FitzSimons, this week former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke joins the show along with Shane Crawford and Nine News journalist Neil Breen.
• SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW – Sunday, March 25, at 11.00am AEDT. Host Erin Molan will be talking footy with Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Allana Ferguson.
• SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOOTBALL – Titans vs Dragons, Sunday, March 25, at 3.00pm AEDT. The Gold Coast Titans take their home game against the St George Illawarra Dragons to Toowoomba. A one-hour, pre-game show straight from the match venue will feature special guest Sam Thaiday from the Brisbane Broncos along with experts Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer, Phil Gould and host James Bracey covering a big afternoon of NRL action.
MONDAY:
• 100% FOOTY – Monday, March 26, at 10.00pm AEDT on Nine and 9Now. 100% Footy is the home of the strongest opinions in rugby league from the people who count. Phil Gould returns with Paul Gallen, alongside Jillaroos star Ruan Sims and journalist Neil Breen. Hosted by James Bracey, 100% Footy is a weekly dive into the hottest topics in the greatest game of all.
** Check local guides for details. Times will differ.
An awkward “channel change” announcement from James Bracey.
“Queensland viewers it’s time of to head off to Channel Nine. You’re watching on GEM now”.
I think they need to take a take a leaf out of Seven’s book and have a simple message at the bottom of the screen, which then doesn’t clutter up the audio.
ROUND 4
GOOD FRIDAY NRL DOUBLE-HEADER
FOUR GAMES ON EASTER WEEKEND
Footy fans will get an Easter treat when Nine’s Wide World of Sports broadcasts four NRL matches Live and Free this weekend, with two games on Good Friday in addition to Thursday Night Football and Sunday Afternoon Football.
Kicking the weekend into gear on Thursday Night Football, the Cowboys play the Panthers. The Cowboys will relish the chance to play at home in Townsville after an away loss to the Storm with Johnathan Thurston and Jason Taumalolo out to lead from the front when they look to improve on their defence.
The Panthers will be without boom halfback Nathan Cleary due to injury and travel north as the underdogs. Tyrone Peachey will join James Maloney in the halves and James Tamou lines up for his 200th NRL match against the club he tasted premiership success with in 2015.
The traditional Good Friday Football clash between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs from 3.00pm AEDT is a match-up that has proven to be eventful and sometimes spiteful in its short history.
Nine’s rugby league expert, Brad Fittler, says: “I circle this one on the calendar every year. There is no love lost between these two sides when they come together on Good Friday. The Rabbitohs possess a lethal attack in all areas, with Damien Cook in the middle and dangerous outside backs Dane Gagai, Greg Inglis, Robert Jennings and Richie Kennar all ready to strike if their forwards gain good yardage.
“Moses Mbye has been outstanding in his move to fullback for the Bulldogs and will be relied upon heavily to convert opportunities into points. I’m looking forward to watching him go up against Rabbitohs’ try scoring machine Alex Johnston.”
On Friday Night Football, the grudge matches will continue with the Sharks hosting the defending premiers, the Melbourne Storm, at Southern Cross Group Stadium, in a clash that boasts several State of Origin representatives.
After their first win of the season last week the Sharks line up for a tough forward battle against a hefty Storm forward pack. Josh Dugan will play fullback with Valentine Holmes on the wing, while Matt Moylan returns from injury at five-eighth.
The Storm have two wins from three starts to show they will be competition front runners again in 2018. Billy Slater will relish playing against his opposite number Josh Dugan, and the Storm will be ready to weather any Shark attacks early before looking to Cameron Smith to steer them to victory.
On Sunday Afternoon Football, the St George Illawarra Dragons play the Newcastle Knights in a showdown between the two steel cities in Wollongong.
The Dragons, yet to lose in 2018, are out to continue their victory march in their first home game in Wollongong this year. Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop have formed a potent duo within a well-balanced Dragons lineup. The Knights claimed praise for their two opening wins but were brought back to earth by a classy Roosters outfit last week.
Nine’s rugby league expert, Andrew Johns, says: “The Dragons are flying and are the most impressive team in the competition after the opening three rounds. Everyone is playing to their potential and that should continue on Sunday.
“The Knights didn’t handle the wet conditions on Sunday night against the Roosters, and a win against the Dragons is a big ask. They will get a fast surface in Wollongong which will suit them, with their attacking abilities sparked by Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce. Expect a high scoring and entertaining game.”
Broadcast Times
Thursday 29 March
Cowboys vs Panthers
Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 7.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now with pre-match on 9GEM from 6.30pm
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 4.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Friday 30 March
Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs
Sydney 3.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 2.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Melbourne 3.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 2.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 12.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Friday 30 March
Sharks vs Storm
Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 7.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now with pre-match on 9GEM from 6.30pm
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 4.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Sunday 1 April
Dragons vs Knights
Sydney 3.00pm* LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 3.00pm* LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Melbourne 3.00pm* LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 2.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 1.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
THE WEEK OF RUGBY LEAGUE ON NINE
THURSDAY:
• THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – Cowboys vs Panthers, March 29, from 7.30pm AEDT on Nine and 9Now. Peter Sterling, Paul Vautin, Darren Lockyer and host James Bracey will cover all the action from 1300SMILES Stadium, LIVE and FREE in HD.
• THE NRL FOOTY SHOW – March 29, live after the footy. Host Erin Molan is joined by Andrew Johns, Ryan Girdler, NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler and Dragons enforcer James Graham. Retiring three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning features on the Players Playlist. The panel talk to Sharks co-captain Paul Gallen ahead of the epic Friday Night Football shoot-out with the Storm. Beau Ryan meets the newest member of the Gallen family, baby Ruby. Darryl Brohman does Small Talk with the Big Marn with the Beacon Hill Bears, assisted by former junior now Manly Sea Eagles forward, Darcy Lussick.
FRIDAY:
• GOOD FRIDAY FOOTBALL – Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs, March 30, from 3.00pm AEDT on Nine and 9Now. Andrew Johns, Wally Lewis, Brad Fittler, Peter Sterling and host James Bracey are LIVE and FREE in HD for the annual Good Friday fixture with exclusive access to ANZ Stadium for the pre-game show, plus access to the dressing rooms and press conferences following the match.
• FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – Sharks vs Storm, March 30, from 7.30pm AEDT on Nine and 9Now. Phil Gould, Darren Lockyer, Paul Vautin and host James Bracey are LIVE and FREE in HD when this hostile rivalry resumes, with exclusive access to Southern Cross Group Stadium for the pre-game and post-game shows, including access to the dressing rooms and press conferences following the match.
SATURDAY:
• INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP – 1.00pm Saturday, March 31, on Nine and 9Now in NSW. The next generation of NRL stars will be on show this week when the Penrith Panthers play the Newtown Jets at Panthers Stadium. Caller Joel Caine will be joined by Sharks co-captain Paul Gallen and Mathew Head, former Dragons player now Dragons NRL Transition coach and Dragons Intrust Super Premiership coach.
• INTRUST SUPER CUP – 1.00pm Saturday, March 31, on Nine and 9Now in Queensland. The premier competition for the Sunshine State features two Melbourne Storm feeder clubs this week, the Easts Tigers and Sunshine Coast Falcons. The Tigers will roll out NRL-capped players David Tyrrell and Patrick Kaufusi along with rising playmaker Billy Walters, the son of Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters, while the Falcons will utilise Ryley Jacks.
In commentary, former Queensland Origin representative and NRL premiership winner Scott Sattler will be joined by Peter Psaltis and Ben Dobbin.
SUNDAY:
• SPORTS SUNDAY – Sunday, April 1, at 10.00am AEST, LIVE on Nine. Bold and passionate debate about the biggest issues in the world of sport. Headlined by two of Australia’s leading sports personalities and opinion-makers, Liz Ellis and Peter FitzSimons, this week host James Bracey will welcome Ian Chappell and Mark Taylor to the panel to talk about the fallout from the ball tampering scandal that has rocked Australian cricket.
• SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW – Sunday, April 1, at 11.00am AEST. Host Erin Molan will be talking footy with Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Allana Ferguson. Newcastle Knights dual premiership winner Adam MacDougall joins the show.
• SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOOTBALL – Dragons vs Knights, Sunday, April 1, at 3.00pm AEST. The Dragons play their first game of the season in Wollongong against steel city rivals the Newcastle Knights. A one-hour pre-game show straight from the venue will feature special guest Paul Gallen from the Cronulla Sharks along with experts Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Phil Gould and host James Bracey covering a big afternoon of NRL action.
MONDAY:
• 100% FOOTY – Monday, April 2, on Nine and 9Now. 100% Footy is the home of the strongest opinions in rugby league from the people who count. Phil Gould returns with Paul Gallen, alongside Jillaroos star Ruan Sims and journalist Neil Breen. Hosted by James Bracey, 100% Footy is a weekly dive into the hottest topics in the greatest game of all.
*AEST times from Sunday April 1
** Check local guides for details. Times will differ.
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This is the first of eight Storm matches which will be shown live on the main channel in Victoria. Also live in Tasmania on TDT instead of 9Gem.
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I wonder who calls the Good Friday 4pm match. Ray Hadley or Matt Thompson?
TDT? It’s been called Nine since the affiliation swap.