Archives: Media Releases

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Beloved renovator and budget queen Jess Eva is back, rallying her team of tradies, volunteers and special guests to prove that even the smallest budget can make the biggest difference, when Budget Battlers returns for a brand-new season.

Premiering Wednesday, October 28, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now, the third season sees Jess and her team travel across the country, transforming homes and creating fresh starts for families and communities doing it tough.

With just five days and a $10,000 budget, the Battlers once again take on seemingly impossible renovations, relying on creativity, clever design and plenty of elbow grease to deliver life-changing transformations.

Joining the team are a mix of fresh faces and familiar favourites. Real Housewives of Sydney star Melissa Tkautz returns with her eye for design and styling, alongside renovation and social media sensation Luke Moore, also-known-as Reno Dad, while Brooke Triplett from She Sells brings her generous spirit and some very special surprises for homeowners. Supporting them are the ever-reliable volunteer tradie crew, with foreman Leigh, Moncur, Lawts and Glen all returning to roll up their sleeves.

The season kicks off in Warracknabeal, Victoria, where the team comes to the aid of a young mum raising four children on her own, before heading to Newcastle, NSW, to transform the home of a devoted mum and carer who has spent years putting everyone else first.

In their biggest challenge yet, the Battlers travel to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, to take on an entire apartment complex for charity Wishlist, transforming 18 bedrooms, four kitchen and living spaces and outdoor areas for families needing accommodation while receiving hospital care.

The team then heads to Capel Sound on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, helping a young family finally turn their long, unfinished house into a home, before travelling north of Toowoomba, Queensland, to give another young family a fresh start in their unfinished home.

The season comes to a close in Uki, NSW, where the Battlers help transform a house that has been relocated to higher ground after being destroyed by floods twice, creating a safe and beautiful forever home for a mum and her two daughters.

From outdated kitchens and unfinished rooms to homes impacted by grief, hardship and natural disaster, Budget Battlers proves that a big transformation doesn’t require a big budget.

With heartwarming moments, emotional reveals and ingenious money saving ideas, the Battlers continue to show that it’s not just about the paint and plaster, it’s about restoring pride, creating hope and giving people a fresh start in a place they can truly call home.

Budget Battlers is a Maker Media production for the 9Network.

BUDGET BATTLERS RETURNS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, AT 7.30PM
ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Monday 12 October, 2026

DAN NOLAN AWARDED JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Nine Queensland is celebrating a night of triumph at the 2026 Clarion Awards, with major wins for 9News Queensland and A Current Affair.

In a range of categories covering television, news and publishing, Nine Queensland won five Clarion Awards from nine nominations.

Among the wins were:

Artwork, Cartoon, Illustration or Graphic
Rebecca McLean, Nine, “Childcare Abuse Survivors”

Broadcast Interview
Dan Nolan, Nine, “Mayor Showdown”

Current Affairs, Feature, Documentary or Special Broadcast
Dan Nolan and Miranda Eddy, Nine, “Predator Flees”

News Report
Josh Bavas and Mia Glover, Nine, “City Chicks Unmasked”

Journalist of the Year
Dan Nolan, Nine

The awards recognise excellence in journalism, celebrating work that makes a meaningful contribution to the community and shines a light on the issues and stories that matter most to Queenslanders.

Deputy Executive Producer and Queensland Bureau Chief of A Current Affair, Kate Donnison, said:

“I’m incredibly proud of the Current Affair team, which includes the Journalist of the Year winner, Dan Nolan. This win recognises courageous journalism and is a testament to the care, tenacity and commitment to telling stories that connect with audiences and make a difference.”

As Queensland’s most-watched and most-trusted news service, 9News Queensland remains dedicated to telling the important stories, a commitment reflected in the recognition at last night’s 2026 Clarion Awards in Brisbane.

Director of News – Queensland, Brendan Hockings, said:

“This is a fantastic result for 9News and a great reflection of the calibre of our people. Our team work incredibly hard on journalism that matters, and it’s terrific to see their stories recognised on the Clarion stage.”

These awards cement Nine Queensland’s dominance in the industry and underscore the network’s leadership and unwavering commitment to exceptional journalism, with A Current Affair and 9News Queensland continuing to set the standard for integrity, impact and public service.

Sunday 11 October, 2026

LIVE AND FREE ON NINE & 9NOW
STREAM LIVE AND ON-DEMAND IN 4K ON STAN SPORT

Australia and New Zealand renew one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries as the Wallabies launch their campaign to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in 23 years, this Saturday from 4.00pm AEDT, live and free on Nine, 9Now and in 4K on Stan Sport.

The Wallabies are riding high after defeating the world-champion Springboks in a drama-filled match two weeks ago, extending their unbeaten run under new coach Les Kiss to five matches. In further good news, superstar Len Ikitau has overcome the ankle injury he sustained against South Africa.The only change to the starting fifteen from the Perth clash sees Isaac Henry join Ikitua in the centres. 

The All Blacks’ formidable 32-year unbeaten record at Eden Park faces a stern test this weekend as they enter the clash on a three-game losing streak following their Greatest Rivalry Series defeat to South Africa. Saturday’s match marks head coachDave Rennie’s first Test against his former team. Rennie has been forced to tweak his line-up following a late calf strain to fly-half Richie Mo’unga, with Damian McKenzie taking over at No. 10 and Beauden Barrett starting at fullback alongside his brothers, Jordie and Scott.

Nine’s world-class commentary panel brings fans closer to the action with unprecedented expert analysis. On the panel will be Michael Atkinson, Allana Ferguson and Justin Harrison. In the commentary box, Sean Maloney leads the call with Wallabies legends Tim Horan and Morgan Turinui, plus Matt Burke and Michael Hooper on the sidelines at Eden Park.

BROADCAST DETAILS
GAME 1: ALL BLACKS VS WALLABIES
Saturday, October 10
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand

Sydney           4.00pm LIVE on 9Gem & 9Now, from 4.00pm in 4K on Stan Sport
Brisbane         3.00pm LIVE on Channel 9 & 9Now, from 3.00pm in 4K on Stan Sport
Melbourne      4.00pm LIVE on 9Gem & 9Now, from 4.00pm in 4K on Stan Sport
Adelaide         3.30pm LIVE on 9Gem & 9Now, from 3.30pm in 4K on Stan Sport
Perth              1.00pm LIVE on Channel 9 & 9Now, from 1.00pm in 4K on Stan Sport

GAME 2: WALLABIES VS ALL BLACKS
Saturday, October 17
Accor Stadium, Sydney, Australia

BLEDISLOE CUP: WALLABIES VS ALL BACKS
LIVE AND FREE ON NINE & 9NOW
STEAM LIVE AND ON-DEMAND IN 4K ON STAN SPORT

Friday 9 October, 2026

PREMIERE THIS SUNDAY AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

Join Queensland’s greatest athletes as they journey across the Sunshine State, revealing the Brisbane 2032 emblems piece by piece in The Build to Brisbane 2032: The Emblems, premiering this Sunday at 5.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Hosted by Olympian Cate Campbell, The Build to Brisbane 2032 follows a six-day trek across Queensland, from tropical Cairns to Townsville, Rockhampton and the coastal stretches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, bringing athletes and local communities together along the way.

With each piece of the emblem unveiled, anticipation builds towards the final reveal in Brisbane, the heart and home of the 2032 Games, complete with a surprise twist, adding an unexpected chapter to this historic moment.

The finished emblem stands as a symbol of hope, unity and global celebration, marking the start of an extraordinary countdown as Queensland prepares to welcome the sporting world.

Don’t miss The Build to Brisbane 2032: The Emblems, this Sunday at 5.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

THE BUILD TO BRISBANE 2032: THE EMBLEMS
THIS SUNDAY AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

Friday 9 October, 2026

PREMIERING MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, AT 10.00AM AEDT ON 9NOW

Love Island Australia season eight truly sets the scene for a beautiful love story, premiering on Monday, October 26, dropping at 10.00am on 9Now and at 8.30pm on Channel 9, Monday to Thursday AEDT.

This season is bigger and better, taking over the renowned Love Island USA villa in tropical Fiji for the first time. The one and only Sophie Monk returns as host, bringing more than just smoking-hot singles to the ultimate dream destination.
 
This season’s villa will be controlled by The Power Couples, and you will not believe the absolute chaos they create. Who are they? They are living proof that you can find true love in the villa: Claudia and Austen (season four winners), Kale and Tyra (season five winners), Georgia and Nate (season five), Eric and Kaylah (season six), Kye and Yana (season seven winners) and Connor and Isabel (season seven).

ITV Creative Director, Alex Mavroidakis, said:

“Last year was peak Love Island Australia, but we have found a way to make the show even better. Thanks to our American landlords, we’ve filled the best Love Island villa in the world with the most unfiltered and flawless-looking cast of singles. If you like non-stop shocks, epic betrayals, proper LOLs, love triangles and love stories, the new season of Love Island Australia is the place for you.” 

Season seven was the most-watched Love Island Australia ever, and it received a record number of finale votes. It saw significant year-on-year growth, with the launch episode reaching a whopping total of 680,000 viewers on 9Now. To date, Love Island Australia 2025 has recorded an average BVOD audience of 627,000 per episode, and 959 million minutes streamed.

This season is getting VillaMaxxed with an exclusive new companion series only on Stan – Love Island Australia: Unseen. Uncut. premiering on Monday, October 26. With drops of unseen and exclusive footage Monday to Thursday, audiences get VIP access to the Islanders in the raw. See for yourself the love and the drama as it plays out. It’s real villa life, in real time, unfiltered and unpredictable.

Now which new couple from season eight will resist the temptations, pass the love tests and emerge as the nation’s favourites, and win $50,000?

Love Island Australia, again narrated by our sharp-tongued Irishman Eoghan McDermott, is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the 9Network.

STARTING ISLANDERS

LACHIE
26, Chiropractor
Sydney

JARRAR
22, Diesel Fitter
Wollongong

JACK
24, Tradie Trainer
Gold Coast

KEANU
25, Tradie
Sydney

OLI
26, Personal Trainer
Perth

SHAWNEE
27, Online Fitness Coach
Gold Coast

PHOEBE
23, Funemployed
Adelaide/London

AMANDA
26, Jeweller and Model
Sydney

NATALIE
23, Airline Ground Crew
Gold Coast

LAYLA
22, Pilates Instructor
Canberra

BOMBS

AVA
24, Traffic Controller
Perth

JORDAN
24, Airbnb Owner
Canberra

ZEL
29, Model
Gold Coast

SAMMI
23, Model and Content Creator
Whangārei New Zealand

LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, AT 10.00AM AEDT ON 9NOW
EPISODES MONDAY TO THURSDAY

@LoveIslandAU | #LoveIslandAU

Friday 9 October, 2026

The 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights delivered a massive viewing result for the 9Network on Sunday night, commanding Australian screens and capping off a blockbuster NRL season.

In a heart-stopping decider that saw the Sydney Roosters claim a dramatic 19-18 victory over the Newcastle Knights, the epic match kept millions glued to their screens, achieving a National Total TV Reach of 6.053 million and a National Total TV Average Audience of 4.286 million.
 
Across the 5 City Metro, key capital cities and regional markets, the broadcast delivered strong average audiences:

• Sydney: Total TV Average Audience of 1.157 million
• Melbourne: Total TV Average Audience of 441,000
• Brisbane: Total TV Average Audience of 737,000
• Adelaide: Total TV Average Audience of 130,000
• Perth: Total TV Average Audience of 164,000
• 5 City Metro: Total TV Average Audience of 2.629 million
• Regional: Total TV Average Audience of 1.593 million
• Northern NSW (incl. Newcastle): Total TV Average Audience of 480,000

The match cemented itself as Australia’s overall No.1 program on Sunday, as well as the 5 City Metro and in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and across Regional markets. In Sydney it grew its Total TV Average Audience year-on-year by +4.3%, across Regional Australia it increased by +22.1% and there was significant growth across audiences in Northern NSW (which includes Newcastle) by +24.7%.

Nine’s digital platform delivered a stand-out result, with 9Now recording an average match audience of 1.447 million, up +8.2% year-on-year.
 
Earlier in the afternoon, the NRLW Telstra Premiership Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos delivered another huge audience for women’s sport. The decider commanded a Total TV Reach of 1.788 million and a Total TV Audience of 1.010 million, with the Roosters storming to 30-6 victory. On 9Now, it increased its audience by +19.2% on last year played between the same clubs, demonstrating the sport’s rapid growth. 

Sunday’s deciders capped off a stellar 2026 season for NRL on Nine, marked by strong growth across both broadcast and streaming:

• The complete 2026 NRL Season (Regular Season + Finals) achieved a National Total TV Average Audience of 745,000 per match – up 1.3% year-on-year.
• Regular season viewing grew 4.0% on Total TV and 58.4% on BVOD.
• The NRL Finals series recorded an average of 1.066 million viewers per game, powered by a 12.6% surge in BVOD streaming (280,000 average audience).
• The two NRL Preliminary Finals fixtures set major viewing milestone across all screens, drawing a National Total TV Audience of 1.473 million, seeing a rise of 11.6% on BVOD year-on-year.
• Nine’s surrounding Rugby League coverage also continued to power weekly viewing habits throughout the year. 100% Footy posted a Total TV average audience of 197,000 per episode, accumulating a total reach of 6.109 million across the season. Meanwhile, NRL Sunday Footy Show reached 3.889 million total viewers on Total TV, and Freddy and the Eighth reached 2.353 million Total TV viewers.
• The State of Origin 2026 series reached more than 12 million viewers. The Men’s series saw Game II set an all-time Australian BVOD record of 1.713 million on 9Now, before Game III: The Decider went on to deliver the highest-rating State of Origin match in history with 4.290 million viewers (based on Total TV and Overnight VOZ/TAM/VPM). Meanwhile, the Women’s State of Origin series achieved an average national reach of 2 million Australians per match, fuelled by a 53% year-on-year surge in BVOD viewing on 9Now. 

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said:

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the players, coaches, and clubs. Their extraordinary athleticism on the field and generous access off it allow us to bring fans closer to the personalities and stories driving the sport. I also want to acknowledge the incredible team at Nine’s Wide World of Sports. Their dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to set the benchmark for sports broadcasting in Australia.”

Dominating Total TV audiences, driving digital growth on 9Now, and celebrating historic milestones across the men’s and women’s games, the 2026 NRL season proves that Rugby League on Nine continues to set the standard for Australian sports broadcasting and commercial integration.

Source: TVMAP VOZ Program Analyser, VOZ Data 5.9 © OzTAM Pty Limited [2026], National, Nine Content, 2026 v 2025, Total People, Total TV, Overnight (As at 05/10/2026).

Source: TVMAP VOZ Program Analyser, VOZ Data 5.9 © OzTAM Pty Limited [2026], National, Nine Content, State of Origin Rugby League, Reach (Incl Pre/Post, Average Audience (Excl Pre/Post), Total People, Total TV, Overnight, as at 09/07/2026. (TAM/VPM data)

Tuesday 6 October, 2026

Australia’s superstar athletes and rising stars of the sport are coming to the 9Network, with Australian Athletics and Nine today announcing a landmark seven-year broadcast partnership.

The agreement will make Nine the home of Australian athletics from 2027 to at least the end 2033, taking the sport beyond the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and into one of the most significant periods in Australian sporting history.

The exciting new broadcast partnership was announced during the exclusive coverage of the NRL Grand Final on Channel 9 tonight. 

From the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne, to the Australian Athletics Championships and the Olympic and Paralympic selection events on the road to Brisbane 2032, every live hour of Australian Athletics’ licensed events will be shown live and free across Nine, with the sport’s biggest meets broadcast on Channel 9 and free streaming platform 9Now.

Australian athletes have had a golden year on the world stage, and that hype and excitement will only grow in coming years. 

Athletes such as  Olympic silver medalist Jessica Hull; rising superstar of the sport Cameron Myers; established star pole vaulters and Olympic champion Nina Kennedy and Kurtis Marschall; high jump rivals and world leaders Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson; sprinters Gout Gout, Torrie Lewis and Lachlan Kennedy; 800m favourite Peter Bol; Paralympians Vanessa Lowe, Jaydon Page and Rhiannon Clarke; and discus thrower Matthew Denny are already much loved by the Australian sport-loving public and are set to shine on Nine.

Throw in rising stars like middle distance runner Claudia Hollingsworth; recent World Athletics U20 Champion high jumper Izobelle Louison-Roe, and charismatic race walker Isaac Beacroft, who won both the U20 Championships and Commonwealth Games gold medal and it’s a very promising time in Australian athletics.

The partnership extends well beyond event coverage.

Nine will use its unparalleled reach and ‘Sofa to Street’ proposition  to deepen fandom and tell the stories of Australian athletics and its athletes  across Nine’s streaming, publishing and digital assets.

The partnership will also include a dedicated preview show ahead of each Australian Athletics Championships and a feature-length documentary in the 2028 and 2032Olympic years.

The agreement follows a competitive market process undertaken by Australian Athletics, with a clear ambition to secure more than a broadcaster. 

Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth said the partnership represented a significant moment for the sport.

“This is a landmark day for athletics in Australia,” he said. 
“Our athletes are among the best in the world, and this partnership gives more Australians the opportunity to see them compete, get to know them and follow their journeys.
“With the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics  2032 on the horizon, we wanted a partner that shared our ambition for the sport and was prepared to invest in building athletics over the long term.
“Nine is not simply broadcasting our events, they are backing our athletes, telling their stories and helping us build a bigger audience for athletics across Australia.
“There has never been a more exciting time for our sport, and we believe this partnership can play an important role in turning the momentum we have today into something enduring.”

Nine Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: 

“Australian Athletics is entering a golden era and we are thrilled to be on board such an epic ride through to Brisbane 2032 and beyond. Australia already boasts some of the most exciting athletes on the planet, with a great promise of more to come. We look forward to the journey, telling their stories and sharing their magical moments with all of Australia across the screens of Nine.”

Australian Athletics President Jane Flemming said the partnership would create opportunities across every level of the sport.

“We know our sport is something everyone relates to, running, jumping, walking and rolling, and now the entire community will get to connect to it in an ongoing and live nature,” she said. 
“From our athletes competing on the world stage to the kids discovering athletics for the first time on a Saturday morning, visibility matters.
“Seeing our athletes competing in Australian stadiums, live on national television, gives young Australians heroes to follow and something to aspire to.”

More details about the broadcast including hosts and commentary teams will be announced in coming months.

Australian Athletics events announced so far for the 2027 Chemist Warehouse Summer Series and Australian Athletics domestic season, will be shown live and free across the the 9Network and 9Now.  

February 13: Adelaide International, SA Athletics Stadium

February 27: Maurie Plant Meet, Lakeside Stadium

March 6: Sydney Track Classic, Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Stadium

March 20: Hobart Track Classic, Domain Athletics Centre

April 1-4: Australian Athletics Championships, Sydney Olympic Stadium

Saturday 4 October, 2026

1 October 2026 – Exactly one year out from Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, the Nine Group is set to deliver the most comprehensive coverage in the tournament’s history.

Returning to Australian soil for the first time since 2003, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be showcased across Stan Sport, the 9Network, 9Now, publishing, out of home, and digital news platforms to connect millions of fans nationwide.

The Wallabies’ sensational victory over the reigning world champion Springboks on Sunday reached a Total TV audience of more than two million*, fuelling excitement for what lies ahead for Australian rugby. Exactly one year from today, on 1 October 2027, Les Kiss’ Wallabies will return to Perth Stadium to face Hong Kong China in the opening match of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, kicking off a six-week festival of international rugby across the country.

Anticipation is already surging for the largest Rugby World Cup ever staged, with more than 750,000 tickets snapped up during the initial sales phase as Australia prepares to welcome 24 teams for 52 matches across the country. Remaining available tickets go on sale from 12:00 AEST on 1 October to mark the milestone.

To celebrate the milestone, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 HQ opened this morning at Sydney’s First Fleet Park, with Today broadcasting live from the site ahead of an official press conference featuring RWC2027 Managing Director Chris Stanley, NSW Government representatives, and rugby stars past and present.

Nine CEO Matt Stanton said:

“Nine is gearing up for our biggest ever year of sport in 2027, and a home Rugby World Cup is a huge contributor to that.
“No one does big sporting moments like Nine. This will be the largest Rugby World Cup ever staged – with predictions of 250,000 international visitors and a national economic injection of up to $2.8 billion – and our coverage will match that scale.
“With a year to go, plans are in motion to activate our ‘Sofa to Street’ proposition – bringing to life the Rugby World Cup across our streaming, broadcast, mastheads and outdoor assets. With the game on the world stage, we look forward to delivering world-class coverage to rugby fans and unrivalled brand opportunities for advertisers come October,” Mr Stanton said.

As the ultimate destination for rugby fans, Stan Sport will stream all 52 matches live and on demand alongside highlights, mini matches, replays and exclusive feeds providing a unique global perspective. An expanded roster of the biggest names in rugby, including new international talent, will feature across match coverage and a brand new lineup of daily shows and content bringing fans closer to the tournament than ever before.

The 9Network and 9Now will bring the high-stakes action to the widest possible audience nationwide, broadcasting action from the early stages right through to the finals, including every Wallabies match, live and free.

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 sits alongside an unrivalled slate of major live sport on Nine and Stan Sport in 2027, joining a lineup that includes the NRL and NRLW, State of Origin, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australian Open, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, NBL and WNBL, Super Netball, and Netball World Cup 2027 in the lead up to LA 2028.

*Source: OzTAM © 2026, VOZ Data 5.0 Total TV, Reach (When Watched), 27/09/2026, National (incl. Spill), live match only.

Thursday 1 October, 2026

SYDNEY ROOSTERS V NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

16 HOURS OF LIVE COVERAGE FROM 7.00AM AEDT

NRL GRAND FINAL FROM 6.30PM AEDT

The fairytale finals story of the Newcastle Knights meets the NRL Goliath that is the Sydney Roosters, when the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final is EXCLUSIVE, LIVE and FREE on Sunday, October 4 from 6.30pm AEDT, on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

In one of Australian sports greatest ever finals runs, the Newcastle Knights have rallied through three sudden-death games to reach their first Grand Final since their 2001 premiership victory.

This feat is even more impressive after finishing last in 2025, as the Knights have turned their fortunes around with new coach Justin Holbrook assembling a team that mirrors the working class culture of Newcastle. Led by NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga, tear away NSW Origin centre Bradman Best, the flying dreadlocks of Dom Young, prelim final hero Sandon Smith and local product Fletcher Sharpe, the Knights will carry a whole town full of diehard fans with them on their surge for premiership glory.

While NRL heavyweights, the Sydney Roosters, are back where they expect to be on rugby league’s biggest stage, after a statement win over the Dolphins. Boasting 12 players with State of Origin experience, the Roosters glittering squad is headed up by James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans in his final NRL game, Sam Walker and the freakishly athletic Mark Nawaqanitawase, as they eye off their 16th premiership.

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will celebrate the season on Grand Final Day with 16 hours of live wall-to-wall coverage from Accor Stadium, Sydney. Weekend Today kicks it off from 7.00am AEDT, followed by Wide World of Sports and the NRL Sunday Footy Show leading into the onfield action.

The NRL State Championship Grand Final begins at 1.20pm AEDT, between the Penrith Panthers and the Redcliffe Dolphins, before the NRLW Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos is live and free at 4.00pm AEDT.

BATTLECAM is live on 9Now, providing a second screen offering featuring dedicated player cameras following Kalyn Ponga and Sam Walker. While the NRLW Grand Final will follow Broncos halfback Jesse Southwell and Roosters playmaker Tarryn Aiken.

Wide World of Sports will have the best in the business covering a blockbuster Grand Final Day. Commentary is headed up by rugby league Immortal and Knights legend Andrew Johns alongside premiership-winning captains Cameron Smith, Brad Fittler, Johnathan Thurston and Paul Gallen in tow, plus premiership winners Billy Slater, Phil Gould AM and Sam Thaiday. Hosts James Bracey, Danika Mason and Emma Lawrence will steer a monster day of coverage with reporters Bronte Gildea and Marlee Silva, plus women’s internationals Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson.

This unrivalled lineup of commentators, boasting 48 Grand Final appearances as players and coaches combined, will provide viewers with insight and analysis befitting the biggest day of the season.

Calling the live action will be Mathew Thompson, Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.

And hang around after the game as we take viewers into the dressing sheds with the winning team to join the celebrations.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: NRL GRAND FINAL DAY ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW
Sunday, October 4
All programs live from Accor Stadium, Sydney.
Check local guides for details

WEEKEND TODAY SHOW: 7.00am AEDT
Start the big day when Alison Piotrowski and Michael Atkinson and the Weekend Today team go live from Accor Stadium with exclusive access to the ground for the ultimate fan Grand Final breakfast.

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS: 10.00am AEDT
The panel is live from Accor Stadium with special guests Sam Thaiday, Ruan Sims and Cameron Smith to celebrate the biggest day on the NRL calendar.

SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW: 11.00am AEDT
Host Emma Lawrence is joined by Andrew Johns, Billy Slater and Brad Fittler to deliver a supersized Grand Final edition of the Sunday Footy Show from Accor Stadium that features the whole Wide World of Sports rugby league team as we celebrate the 2026 season.

NRL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL: 1.00pm AEDT – Panthers v Dolphins
Live match coverage begins in the State Championship Grand Final between this year’s Knock-on Effect NSW Cup premiers, the Penrith Panthers, and the winners of the Hostplus Cup in Queensland, the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Sydney/Melbourne        1.20pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                        12.20pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide                        12.50pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Perth                              10.20am LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now

Commentary: Cameron Smith, Phil Gould and Peter Psaltis with Paul Gallen and Bronte Gildea on the sideline, hosted by Danika Mason

NRLW GRAND FINAL: From 3.15pm AEDT LIVE AND FREE
Roosters v Broncos

Sydney/Melbourne        4.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                        3.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide                        3.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Perth                             1.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now

Commentary: Ruan Sims, Allana Ferguson and Brenton Speed, with Johnathan Thurston and Marlee Silva on the sideline, hosted by Danika Mason

9NEWS: 6.00pm AEDT
Before the big game begins, 9News will deliver all the major stories of the day in a special bulletin for NRL Grand Final Sunday.

NRL GRAND FINAL: From 6.30pm AEDT EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE
Roosters v Knights

Sydney/Melbourne         7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                         6.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide                         7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Perth                              4.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now

Commentary: Andrew Johns, Billy Slater and Mathew Thompson, with Danika Mason and Brad Fittler on the sideline, hosted by James Bracey

2026 NRL GRAND FINAL
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE FROM 6.30PM AEDT
LIVE COVERAGE FROM 7.00AM AEDT
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

Wednesday 30 September, 2026

PREMIERES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, AT 8.45PM
ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

A rugby league star, Queensland hero, television trailblazer, professional larrikin and self-described “no-name ginger”, Paul “Fatty” Vautin is telling his story in Fatty: A Life Unscripted, premiering Thursday, October 1, at 8.45pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Produced by Nine’s Wide World of Sports, Fatty: A Life Unscripted goes beyond the famous head wobble to reveal the man behind the mayhem, charting an amazing career that has taken more twists and turns than even Fatty could have planned.

There’s the rugby league legend who became a Queensland Maroons coaching hero. The unlikely television star who helped to turn The Footy Show from a prime-time gamble into a cultural institution. And the larger-than-life character whose ability to laugh at himself, and pretty much everything else, made him one of the most beloved personalities in Australian sporting and television history.

Now, for the first time, Fatty pulls back the curtain on the harder chapters of his story: from the sackings and career setbacks to a near-fatal stunt that could have changed everything. Viewers will see the grit beneath the gagman in this intimate and revealing portrait of a man whose genius was getting back up, having a laugh, and carrying on to the next caper.

Featuring candid and emotional interviews with Fatty himself, his wife Kim and children Kylie, Nikki and Matt, the documentary brings together a who’s who of Australian rugby league and television, including Ray “Rabs” Warren, Phil “Gus” Gould, Wally “The King” Lewis, Peter “Sterlo” Sterling, Paul “The Chief” Harragon, Daryl “Big Marn” Brohman, Andrew “Joey” Johns, Cameron Smith, Trevor Gillmeister, John Gibbs, Lauren Brown, Gary Burns and Tony Chalmers.

Together, they reveal the loveable Fatty the audiences know – and the Fatty they don’t.

Paul “Fatty” Vautin said in the documentary:

“When I look back on my life, from the bumbling stumbling teenager who didn’t know where he was going to go… my life to me has been a surprise… I did not expect any of it but I’m grateful that it happened the way it did.”

Warm, witty, energetic and surprisingly moving, Fatty: A Life Unscripted captures the incredible journey of a rugby league rogue who rewrote the rules of Aussie culture just by being himself.

FATTY: A LIFE UNSCRIPTED 

PREMIERES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 AT 8.45PM
ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Monday 28 September, 2026