Three big games highlight Round 4 of NRL on Nine this week, including a top of the table clash between the undefeated Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights.

Tonight on Macca’s Thursday Night Footy, the Broncos host the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium. While the Roosters go in as favourites, the Broncos have won three of their past four clashes. Debutant Cory Paix will start at hooker for Brisbane, replacing an injured Jake Turpin, while youngster Jesse Arthars replaces suspended centre Kotoni Staggs. It’s the right night for young forward sensation Payne Haas to inspire his troops and lead from the front.

The Roosters looked to be back to their best in dismantling the Bunnies for their first win of the season. Classy fullback James Tedesco is a late scratching due to illness, and a replacement is yet to be confirmed. Kyle Flanagan had his best outing for his new club last week and he will lock horns with another young halfback on the rise: Brodie Croft.

In VB Friday Night Footy, the Rabbitohs head south to face Melbourne at AAMI Park. Both teams will be keen to overcome Round 3 disappointments, and the clash between the former and current Australian hookers in Cameron Smith and Damien Cook is tantalising. The Storm, who have beaten Souths seven times in their past eight matches, will be without suspended prop Nelson Asofa-Solamona, with Christian Welch replacing him.

Lock Cameron Murray goes back to his preferred position, and if star recruit Latrell Mitchell can fire at fullback Souths could be in for a real storm burst.

Rounding out Nine’s coverage is the 2nd versus 3rd clash featuring the Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders at Campbelltown Stadium. The Knights eked out an incredible draw against the Panthers last week, showing newfound grit after losing several key players. Captain Mitchell Pearce returns from concussion that knocked him out of the game last week, and fullback Kalyn Ponga is back from suspension at fullback. Rookie Tex Hoy will be rewarded for a great showing in Round 3 with a spot on the bench.

The Knights will need all of their armour to beat the impressive Raiders, who totally upended Melbourne in a big victory last week. Prolific try scorer Jordan Rapana moves to the bench to make way for winger Bailey Simonsson, while English halfback George Williams will look to impress again after firing on all cylinders against the Storm. Should the Green Machine win, it will be their first 4-0 start to a season since 2005.

While the stadiums are empty, fans can have their chance to be heard and be on live TV. Fans can send a video to the @NRLonNine page on either Facebook or Instagram and show their colours and excitement for a chance to make the broadcast and share their excitement and passion with their teams.

For further information please contact Nine Publicity: 
Jason Evans
E jaevans@nine.com.au
P 02 9965 2052

Friday, June 5, 2020