It’s the decision that rocked The Block. As one couple left, another couple entered in an emotional change of hands that continues tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Engaged couple from WA, Jesse and Paige, have made the brave decision to leave The Block in order to prioritise their mental health. The remaining contestants are heartbroken but supportive of their decision to leave.
In a Block first, a new couple will join the show five weeks into filming to continue the build on House 1. They got the call, dropped everything, and moved to Phillip Island in a matter of days.
The youngest team to ever compete on The Block, sisters from Sydney, Maddy (24) and Charlotte (22), are up for the challenge.
“Since we can remember we’ve grown up watching The Block with our family, and as kids we dreamed about maybe one day being contestants,” the girls said. “We feel very grateful for the opportunity.”
They may be the youngest team in the history of the show, but they are also among the most experienced contestants when it comes to renovations.
While working in accounting and multiple odd jobs, such as babysitting, tutoring, shifts at McDonald’s, and piano teaching, they realised their real passion was for renovating and saved their hard-earned cash to put towards the purchase of a fixer-upper, a shack in Newcastle, when they were 21 and 19 respectively.
“It has taken a lot of sacrifices to get where we are,” Maddy said. “I think our generation believe things come easy, but there is nothing that has come easy with what we have done and achieved.”
The shack in Newcastle has since been renovated, subdivided, and sold in 2022. They now have multiple builds on the go, with more planned, while still juggling their odd jobs and working in the family business.
“Our goal is to create a beautiful home that’s welcoming, warm, comfortable and a special place for families to make precious memories,” Charlotte said. “We hope to grow as individuals, push ourselves to our absolute limits, and inspire young people who may also want to pursue a dream or do something very different.”
“We are anticipating the challenges and stresses that are about to come,” Maddy said. “I have no doubt we will struggle and be pushed far out of our comfort zone.”
The girls owe it to watchingThe Block for the inspiration to become renovators, builders and entrepreneurs in their own right – so watch them go at it!
Maddy and Charlotte’s first week on The Block continues tonight at 7.30pm and Sunday at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The NRL and NRLW superstars of tomorrow will go on show when the 2024 NRL Schoolboys and Schoolgirls national finals are live and free – Wednesday, September 11, from 12.00pm AEST on 9GemHD and to stream on 9Now.
Palm Beach Currumbin and Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown will collide in the biggest schoolboy rugby league game of the year at CBUS Super Stadium, followed by Ipswich State High against Sydney’s Hills Sports High School in the Schoolgirls Cup National Final.
A well respected western Sydney nursery for NRL stars, Patrician Brothers College Blacktown has produced the likes of Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Spencer Leniu, Luke Lewis, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Will Penisini and Sunia Turuva.
The NRL alumni of Palm Beach Currumbin is equally as impressive with Cody Walker, Tom Dearden, Darius Boyd, Ben Ikin, Ben Hannant and Broncos flyer Deine Mariner all developing their skills at the revered Gold Coast school.
In commentary for the 9Network is NRL premiership winner Sam Thaiday and Peter Psaltis, hosted by Adam Jackson from 9News Brisbane.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 11 National Schoolboys Grand Final: Palm Beach Currumbin v Patrician Brothers Blacktown Syd/Bris/Mel 12.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
National Schoolgirls Grand Final: Ipswich State High School v Hills State High School Syd/Bris/Mel 2.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
NRL SCHOOLBOYS CUP NATIONAL FINAL WATCH ON 9GEMHD, STREAM ON 9NOW LIVE AND FREE
It’s down to eight teams aiming to be crowned the champions, and the 9Network is the only place you can see every game of the 2024 NRL Finals Series, live and free from 7.00pm AEST this Friday night.
That’s when Panthers v Roosters will kick off Wide World of Sports’ blockbuster finals series on Channel 9 and 9Now, which culminates in exclusive coverage of the NRL Grand Final.
NRL on Nine Host James Bracey with the 2024 Finals Series teams
A scintillating Saturday double-header leads off with the minor premiers, the Storm, hosting the Sharks in Melbourne, with the winner earning a week off and a place in the preliminary final. Then it’s do or die in the first elimination final, when the Cowboys are out to lasso Kalyn Ponga and the Knights in Townsville.
After an eight-year finals absence the Bulldogs are barking in September again, and on Sunday they meet the Sea Eagles, turbocharged by returning fullback Tom Trbojevic.
NRL on Nine’s coverage for the finals series is hosted by James Bracey, with an unrivalled expert panel of NRL premiership winners on hand for every step of the journey: Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, Brad Fittler, Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Paul Vautin and Sonny Bill Williams. All exclusive on the 9Network.
Joining them are international rugby league representatives Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, sideline reporters Danika Mason and Emma Lawrence, plus commentators Mathew Thompson, Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.
2024 NRL FINALS EXPERT PREVIEW
The Melbourne Storm with Billy Slater The Storm have the perfect mentality for the finals and are in good health. External pressures will not faze them, and history shows they can keep their feet on the ground when hype is pushed their way.
They have a great balance to their style of play. They can suffocate teams with relentless pressure during the cycle of the game, but have an ability to pull the trigger when needed. Halfback Jahrome Hughes is a key cog in the Storm wheel, the controller who does most of their kicking.
Coach Craig Bellamy will be mindful of excelling in these big games, but he’ll quickly order a back-to-basics reset if the team need to readjust in order to advance. Their biggest opposition will come from the Penrith Panthers.
The Panthers with Phil Gould Four Grand Finals in a row, and three consecutive premierships, shows that the Panthers know the pathway to our game’s ultimate glory very, very well. Self-belief is crucial at this stage of the season and the Panthers boast a confidence born of demonstrated ability. They are the team to beat.
They have become the experts in big-game football. They have an outstanding defensive record, and defence wins premierships. They are very comfortable in the pressure-cooker of finals football. They also have Nathan Cleary, the best “big moment” player in the NRL.
History shows us that in the NRL era no team has come from outside the top four to win the Grand Final. The best credentialled team outside the top four this year is the Manly Sea Eagles. Much will depend upon the fitness of Tom Trbojevic, but there is no doubt that Manly at their best can make a deep run in the finals.
The Roosters with Brad Fittler After a disastrous ending to the regular season, losing the chance to host a home semi-final and suffering injuries to three of their best players in the crucial positions of hooker, halfback, and in Victor Radley a ball-playing forward, they face an uphill battle.
But with those players out, the Roosters will still field a strong team and the motivation hasn’t changed. At the end of this season the club say goodbye to several of their favourite sons in Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu, Joseph Sua’ali’i and Sitilli Tupouniua and the team will lift for them.
For this team to win, their discipline has to be perfect. They can still match it with the best while they are winning field position.
The Sharks with Paul Gallen Externally, no one has given them any credit, but this season they’ve won as many games as the best teams to be in the top four, and history shows you gotta be there to win the competition. They’ve been consistent and their coach Craig Fitzgibbon will have them motivated to silence the doubters.
This squad has been together for a few years now and they will have learned a few lessons, which is crucial in these big games. I feel they have boxed smart throughout the season to be ready for the finals. They have regularly overcome injury to key players to keep the wins coming without any fuss.
Key players Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall have all come back at the right time of the year, and they’ll need to go to a new level to beat the Storm, Panthers and Roosters. Just don’t be surprised when they do.
The Sharks know they’re not highly rated, and they’ll like it that way.
The Sea Eagles with Andrew Johns Outside of the Storm, the top-four teams all have major frailties heading into the finals. Manly need Tom Trbojevic back on the field, and if he can return in week one of the finals and manage the pain in his shoulder they can do some serious damage in September.
They have the big-game players in Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans, and they look like they have another gear. As it stands, I think all roads lead to a Storm-Panthers Grand Final. But if there’s one team to upset the apple cart, it’s the Sea Eagles.
The Cowboys with Johnathan Thurston Within the four walls of the Cowboys club they truly believe they can challenge the top teams, and not being valued as a contender is definitely a pressure release in these big games. They have shown they can score points from anywhere on the park, but what has let them down this season has been attention to detail in defence.
There’s a saying that winning hurts and holding on through the uncomfortable parts of the game is what wins finals. For them it’s not about one player, it’s about all 13 chipping in for the ugly stuff.
Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater can score tries from anywhere, outside backs Valentine Holmes and Murray Tualagi are State of Origin players, halfback Jake Clifford can kick them out of trouble, and hooker Reece Robson showed his big-game credentials for NSW in Origin. Throw in damaging backrowers like Jeremiah Nanai and the ingredients are all there – they just need to come together as a group. A home final in Townsville is a great place to start.
The Bulldogs with Sonny Bill Williams Expect plenty of grit and toughness from the Bulldogs. It’s exactly how they’ve played all year and what has elevated them to the finals after many years in the cellar. Will that be enough to win the comp? I have my doubts, but with Stephen Crichton leading the way they will play tough, and teams will have to work hard to beat them.
They have built their game around defence and the effort areas that most people don’t appreciate while watching live. On their day anything is possible, and the strength of this side is that they’ll put themselves in the contest simply through effort.
With premiership winners Crichton, Viliame Kikau and Matt Burton they have the talent to challenge the top four but they cannot afford any injuries.
The Knights with Darren Lockyer Reigning Dally M medallist Kalyn Ponga is in great form and his running game is a constant threat for any team the Knights face. In the must-win game against the Dolphins their defence was excellent, and that’s the foundation they’ll need to build on for their finals campaign if they wish to go any further.
They have most of their best players available, which is hugely important at this time of year.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Friday, September 13
Panthers (2) v Roosters(3) – Qualifying Final 1 Syd/Bris/Melb 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Saturday, September 14 Storm (1) v Sharks(4) – Qualifying Final 2 Syd/Bris/Melb3.15pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 2.45pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth1.15pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Cowboys (5) v Knights(8) – Elimination Final Syd/Bris/Melb 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide6.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Sunday, September 15 Bulldogs (6) v Sea Eagles(7) – Elimination Final Syd/Bris/Melb 3.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 2.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 1.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
THE ONLY PLACE TO SEE EVERY NRL FINALS GAME LIVE WATCH ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM ON 9NOW LIVE AND FREE
PARIS 2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK AND 9NOW
Two of Australia’s most prized Paralympians, Curtis McGrath and Madison de Rozario will be aiming to say goodbye with gold, on the final day of the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.
Aiming for back to back victories in the women’s marathon is Madison de Rozario, as the Opening ceremony flag bearer chases her third gold medal in her fifth Paralympics games appearance.
Straight after we’re on the water again for the Para Canoe finals where McGrath and Susan Seipel hold Aussie hopes in their hands.
Then it’s time to party in Paris with the Closing Ceremony from 4.30am-7.30am AEST. In coverage for the 9Network is Dylan Alcott, Sylvia Jeffreys and Annabelle Williams.
DAY 11 SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS CHANNEL 9HD, 9GEMHD AND 9NOW
TIME (AEST)
EVENT
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8
4.00PM
PARA MARATHON Madison de Rozario
FROM 6.00PM
PARA CANOE FINALS Curtis McGrath (Va’a Single 200m VL3) Susan Seipel (Kayak Single 200m KL2)
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9
1.00AM
PARA POWERLIFTING Hani Watson (Women’s +86kg final)
4.30AM
CLOSING CEREMONY Dylan Alcott, Sylvia Jeffreys and Annabelle Williams
7.00AM
TODAY SHOW
*Schedules subject to change
Day 11 Athlete in Focus: Susan Seipel, Para Canoe
The Queenslander was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex, a rare disorder that caused fusion of her joints in her lower legs and poor muscle formation.
She had her first surgery when she was just four-years-old and another 13 hospital trips before her 15th birthday. Inspired by the Sydney 2000 Paralympics, she nurtured a dream of representing Australia at the Paralympics for more than 20 years, and finally had that opportunity when Para Canoe made its debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
But Para Canoe was not Susan’s first choice. It wasn’t her second either. In fact, were it not for the financial strain of competing in Para Equestrian – a sport in which she had already won an international bronze medal – there’s every chance that Susan would never have picked up a paddle.
Seipel’s disability does make the kayak race more tricky for her as she is unable to use the foot pedals that control the rudder. When she began to paddle she found it challenging to go in a straight line, because she couldn’t steer, finding herself going around in circles, an obstacle for 200m race in a straight line, eventually she learned to steer using her paddle stroke. Since then she has gone on to win three world titles plus a Paralympic silver and bronze medal. In Paris, it’s the gold the 38 year old wants so desperately.
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9, 9GEM AND 9NOW STREAMED LIVE AND FREE WITH REPLAYS, EXPLAINERS AND EVERY BIG AUSTRALIAN MOMENT ON 9NOW
For further information, please contact: Ryley McKay Senior Publicist & Digital Manager – Sport ryley.mckay@nine.com.au
The Aussie 1-2 punch of Curtis McGrath and James Turner will headline Day 10 of the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games, live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.
PARIS 2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK AND 9NOW
More medals are in grasp when McGrath chases gold in the finals of the Para Canoe KL2 class, and after conquering the 400m in world record time, James Turner is all set to jet in the 100m final.
Alexa Leary will bring her golden vibes in the pool for the mixed 4x100m relay, and the always entertaining Scooter Patterson is joined by our best men’s and women’s individual medley swimmers, when they take on their respective 200m events.
Aussies will also compete in the Para Cycling Road Race, Para Equestrian, Table Tennis and Para Judo alongside the Men’s finals of the Wheelchair Basketball and Blind Football, on the penultimate day of competition in Paris.
And after raking in four medals in the Road time trials, our Para Cycling team will take on the Road Race straight off the top of the coverage at 5.30pm AEST on 9GemHD. Meg Lemon, Alana Forster and “The Flying Mullet” Alistair Donohue are all eager to go one better than their silver medals from the Time Trial.
Curtis McGrath. Paralympics Australia
DAY 10 SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS CHANNEL 9HD, 9GEMHD AND 9NOW
TIME (AEST)
EVENT
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7
5.30PM
PARA CYCLING ROAD RACE Gordon Allan, Darren Hicks, Amanda Reid (C1-C3)
5.30PM
PARA SWIMMING (HEATS) Col Pearse, Alex Saffy (Men’s 200m Ind. Medley SM10) Jasmine Greenwood, Keira Stephens (Women’s 200m Ind. Medley SM10) Scooter Patterson (Men’s 200m Freestyle S3)
6.00PM
PARA ATHLETICS James Turner (Men’s 100m T36 Final) Rheed McCracken (Men’s 800m T34 Final)
FROM 6.00PM
PARA CANOE HEATS Curtis McGrath (Kayak Single 200m KL2) Susan Seipel (Va-a Single 200m VL2) Dylan Littlehales (Kayak Single 200m KL3)
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8
1.30AM
PARA SWIMMING (FINALS) Mixed 4x100m Freestyle 34pts Relay Final featuring Alexa Leary
3.00AM
PARA ATHLETICS Nicholas Hum (Men’s Long Jump T20 Final)
*Schedules subject to change
Day 9 Athlete in Focus: Lin Ma, Para Table Tennis
Lin Ma has only his left arm after his right arm was amputated when he was five following a terrible accident at a zoo involving a bear. He started playing table tennis competitively about 10 years later and within three years of that, had become the gold medallist in singles and teams at the World Para Championships. Success continued at the 2008 Games in Beijing and far beyond.
Lin moved to Melbourne after the Rio Games, and registered with Table Tennis Australia. He won two silver medals in Tokyo and wants to add to his collection of 4 gold medals in Paris, with his first representing Australia. He calls Melbourne home.
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9, 9GEM AND 9NOW STREAMED LIVE AND FREE WITH REPLAYS, EXPLAINERS AND EVERY BIG AUSTRALIAN MOMENT ON 9NOW
For further information, please contact: Ryley McKay Senior Publicist & Digital Manager – Sport ryley.mckay@nine.com.au
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games enters its final weekend of competition, Nine’s broadcast of one of the year’s most uplifting two weeks has officially been certified as Inclusively Made.
With the Paralympics now reaching more than 8.7 million Australians across the 9Network and 9Now, the certification from Inclusively Made – the global standard for inclusion in film, TV and advertising – means the on-air broadcast and behind-the-scenes teams meet “key inclusive criteria for people with disability.”
This includes the building of accessible set-ups across Nine’s North Sydney headquarters in commentary booths and workspaces.
Nine’s broadcast has engaged not-for-profit organisation Bus Stop Films, which uses filmmaking to raise the profile of people with disability, to provide staff for post-production roles.
Bus Stop Films CEO, Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM, said: “As Australia’s only disability employment service supporting the screen and media sector, Bus Stop Employment is thrilled to see our members gain meaningful employment on the Paralympics broadcast. Every job builds skills and networks to unlock the next opportunity. Together with Nine and Inclusively Made, we’re making history and changing lives.”
The past eight days of competition has made household names out of para-athletes including Alexa Leary, Lauren Parker, Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson, Vanessa Low, The Steelers and many more, with Nine’s broadcast ensuring that inclusivity is deeply ingrained within the production and embodies the spirit of the Paralympic movement.
Just like the Paralympic motto of ‘always moving forward’, the certification marks an important milestone for Nine, according to Liana Dubois, Nine’s Chief Marketing Officer and who leads Nine’s Community, Company and Climate strategy.
Liana said: “At Nine, we believe that inclusive storytelling empowers and enriches communities. We are proud to have made progress and have our Paralympic coverage accredited as Inclusively Made for the first time. We are committed to a future where our content is accessible, inclusive, and representative of all audiences. There is more work to do and we look forward to applying the learnings of our Paralympic coverage into the future.”
Broadcasting more than 300 hours of action, Nine’s coverage of the Paralympic Games is the most prominent ever screened with live and free coverage across one curated linear offering on Channel 9 and 9Gem as well as up to 20 streams on 9Now.
People living with disability make up 20% of our global population, yet popular culture often does not reflect this diversity.
Inclusively Made CEO, Paul Nunnari PLY, said: “I’m incredibly proud to see Nine’s Paralympics broadcast certified Inclusively Made. It’s vital that the content we see authentically reflects everyone across our community. Nine’s commitment to extend disability representation to on screen roles and across every part of the production process (behind the camera) is unprecedented and sets a new benchmark in disability representation. Nothing about us, without us! — it’s so great to see this perspective reflected on our screens for the biggest sporting event of the year!”
Nine’s Director of People and Culture, Vanessa Morley, said: “We’re so proud of the team for achieving this milestone. Inclusively Made is a key partnership for Nine in our Diversity & Inclusion work, and we look forward to our future productions working towards the same goal with the example set by our Paralympics coverage.”
For further information, please contact: Adrian Motte Senior Communications Manager amotte@nine.com.au
PARIS 2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK AND 9NOW
Australia’s Paris 2024 team co-captain, Curtis McGrath, will make his way onto the water to get his double gold medal defence underway on Day 9 of the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games, live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.
McGrath gets his campaign underway in the heats of the Para Canoe and joining him in the water is a stacked schedule of Para Swimming featuring 12 Australians. Rachael Watson is going for three 50m freestyle gold medals in a row, while Tom Gallagher is on the hunt for his second victory at Paris 2024.
On the track, freshly crowned 400m T36 gold medallist James Turner will turn his focus to the 100m in the Para Athletics.
And after raking in four medals in the Road time trials, our Para Cycling team will take on the Road Race straight off the top of the coverage at 5.30pm AEST on 9GemHD. Meg Lemon, Alana Forster and “The Flying Mullet” Alistair Donohue are all eager to go one better than their silver medals from the Time Trial.
Watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Live on a curated channel across Channel 9HD and 9GemHD, with every moment streamed on 9Now, where you can also stay up to date with Daily Highlights, Daily Top 10 Moments, and curated highlights for Team Australia, Para Swimming and Para Athletics.
CLICK TO WATCH – It takes a VIllage by Nine’s WWOS. Four-time Olympic gold medallist Cate Campbell shares the journey of her brother and the incredible people behind our Aussie Para Athletes competing in Paris.
DAY 9 SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS CHANNEL 9HD, 9GEMHD AND 9NOW
TIME (AEST)
EVENT
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6
5.30PM
PARA CYCLING ROAD RACE Emily Petricola, Meg Lemon, Alana Forster (Women’s C4-5) Alistair Donohue, Korey Boddington (Men’s C4-5)
5.30PM
PARA SWIMMING (HEATS) Tom Gallagher (Men’s 100m backstroke S10) Jasmine Greenwood (Women’s 100m Backstroke S10) Brenden Hall, Tim Hodge, Lewis Bishop (Men’s 100m Butterfly S9) Ben Hance, Ricky Betar (Men’s 100m backstroke S14) Maddie McTernan (Women’s 100m backstroke S14) Ahmed Kelly (Men’s 50m Freestyle S4) Rachael Watson (Women’s 50m Freestyle S4) Callum Simpson (Men’s 100m Freestyle S8)
6.00PM
PARA ATHLETICS Annabelle Colman (Women’s 1500M T20), Sam McIntosh (Men’s 100m T52 Final) Guy Henly (Men’s Discus Throw F37 Final) Rheed McCracken (Men’s 800m T34 Final)
FROM 6.00PM
PARA CANOE HEATS Curtis McGrath (Kayak Single 200m KL2 and VL3) Susan Seipel (Va-a Single 200m VL2, Kayak 200m KL2) Dylan Littlehales (Kayak Single 200m KL3)
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7
1.30AM
PARA SWIMMING (FINALS)
3.00AM
PARA ATHLETICS Telaya Blacksmith (Women’s Long Jump T20 Final) Samantha Schmidt, Ella Hose (Women’s Discus Throw F38) James Turner (Men’s 100m T36) Rhiannon Clarke (Women’s 400m T38)
*Schedules subject to change
Day 9 Athlete in Focus: Telaya Balcksmith, Women’s Long Jump T20 Final
Telaya Blacksmith has bold ambitions to achieve big things in sport. She is a Walpiri woman originally from Lajamanu in the Northern Territory and currently lives in Sydney, where she is honing her skills as a runner and is also a promising footballer with the Sydney Swans AFL Academy.
Telaya secured selection to the Australian Paralympic Team for Paris 2024. She holds Australian age records in the 100m, 200m and long jump, but is a 400m runner at the international level and fittingly, her idol growing up was the great Cathy Freeman.
Blacksmith’s intellectual disability meets Paralympic criteria for significant limitations in adaptive behaviour.
When asked to describe herself in one sentence, Telaya said: “A fast, friendly girl from the NT ready to show the world what I’ve got. I represent my family every time I race and know that I am an inspiration for other young Aboriginal kids.” (Image – Paralympics Australia)
Australia’s race up the medal table is giving gold vibes on Day 8 of the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games, live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.
Lauren Parker is back for her third Paralympic event, this time the Road Race H1-4, Para Swimming 200m Individual Medley world record holder Tim Hodge charges into his pet event, and leaping her way into the Para Athletics action is defending T63 Long Jump gold medallist Vanessa Low.
The gold medal matches of the Quad Singles Wheelchair Tennis and the Wheelchair Basketball semi-finals make for an interesting day of action.
Watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Live on a curated channel across Channel 9HD and 9GemHD, with every moment streamed on 9Now, where you can also stay up to date with Daily Highlights, Daily Top 10 Moments, and curated highlights for Team Australia, Para Swimming and Para Athletics.
DAY 8 SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS CHANNEL 9HD, 9GEMHD AND 9NOW
TIME (AEST)
EVENT
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5
5.30PM
PARA CYCLING ROAD RACE Lauren Parker
5.30PM
PARA SWIMMING (HEATS) Poppy Wilson (Women’s 400m freestyle S10) Tim Hodge (Men’s Individual 200m Medley SM9) Lucky Patterson (Women’s 200 Ind. Medley SM9), Jenna Jones (Women’s 100m Breastroke SB12), Mixed 4x50m Medley 20pts Relay
6.00PM
PARA ATHLETICS Samuel Rizzo, Luke Bailey (Men’s 800m T54), Angie Ballard (Women’s 400m T54)
FROM 6.00PM
SHOOTING, PARA TABLE TENNIS, BOCCIA Jamieson Lesson, Daniel Michel (Boccia), Anton Zappelli (Shooting) Jessy Chen (Table Tennis)
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6
1.30AM
PARA SWIMMING (FINALS)
3.00AM
PARA ATHLETICS Vanessa Low (Women’s Long Jump T36) Maria Strong (Women’s Shot Put F33) Jackson Hamilton (Men’s Javelin Throw F13) Sam McIntosh (Men’s 100m T52)
*Schedules subject to change
Day 8 Athletes in Focus:
Vanessa Low, Women’s Long Jump T36
When Vanessa was 15, she accidentally stumbled from an overcrowded platform and into the path of an oncoming train. She lost her left leg above the knee and right leg through the knee, and sustained head and back injuries and multiple broken bones. Vanessa spent the next six months in hospital, and by the time she was discharged, her muscles had wasted away and she weighed just 45kgs.
Four years on from her accident she made her international debut in 2009, becoming a two-time Paralympian for Germany before she started representing Australia in 2019. She is a two time Paralympic gold medallist and the reigning world record holder in the women’s long jump T61. She is based in Canberra.
Day 8 Athletes in Focus:
Jessy Chen, Men’s Singles Class 3, Para Table Tennis Finals
Jessy (Junjian) Chen has not only found solace through sport but has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the best Para Table Tennis players in the Oceania region.
Originally from southern China, Jessy moved to the Solomon Islands with his family in 2006 as a teen. Shortly after their arrival racial tensions escalated and many Chinese-owned businesses were attacked, Jessy’s family being one of them.
He was struck with a machete, suffered massive blood loss and a heart attack. Jessy was airlifted to Australia and diagnosed a quadriplegic. Jessy was in hospital for over a year, followed by a three-month stint at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre where he had to learn to move again while learning to speak English.
Four NRL and Five NRLW games in Nine’s free feast on footy. Live and free on Channel 9HD, Stream on 9NOW.
It all comes down to a final-game duel for the ages when the Knights meet Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins for the last spot in the NRL finals on Sunday Arvo Footy, live and free on Channel 9HD and streaming on 9Now.
With exclusive access to McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle from 3.00pm AEST, NRL on Nine will hold the keys to the Knights fortress when the club’s favourite son, Eighth Immortal Andrew Johns, leads the coverage of the last game before the finals. And in a big double-header, the NRLW Knights will play the Broncos straight after Knights v Dolphins.
Joining Johns is the man who shared four premiership wins alongside Bennett, Darren Lockyer, plus premiership-winning coach Phil Gould, Danika Mason and Mat Thompson.
Nine’s Wide World of Sports will present a free feast of final-round rugby league with four NRL and five NRLW games that kick off with Thursday Night Footy.
Tomorrow night the Broncos are out to break their Brisbane bogey in their last appearance of the year against the Melbourne Storm, 2024 minor premiers. The Storm have won 18 of 22 matches against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, and coach Craig Bellamy has named a full-strength line up to further stamp their authority as premiership favourites.
The game’s longest running rivalry takes over Friday Night Footy when the Rabbitohs and Roosters write the latest chapter in their never-ending book of feuds.
The Rabbitohs would love nothing more than toppling their hated rivals to end a torrid season, while the Roosters are eager to road-test playmakers Connor Watson and Sandon Smith who join the starting lineup after season-ending injuries to Sam Walker and Brandon Smith. Led by an always fired-up Cody Walker, the Bunnies won’t be making it easy for the Roosters before their off season break.
On Saturday Night Footy from 7.00pm, the powerhouse Panthers will bid farewell to their home since 1967, Penrith Park, when they meet the Gold Coast Titans for one last dance before going on the prowl for a fourth consecutive NRL premiership.
NRLW Round 7 will pit the current top 4 teams against each other in what shapes as finals dress rehearsal on Sunday afternoon. The ladder leading Sharks will meet Millie Elliot’s Roosters, while the Knights host the Broncos at 6.00pm, featuring Knights reigning Dally M Medallist Tamika Upton and Broncos legend Ali Brigginshaw. Every NRLW game is available live and free on the 9Network.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Thursday, September 5
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – BRONCOS v STORM
Syd/Bris 7.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Friday September 6
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS Syd/Bris 7.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Saturday, September 7
NRLW: COWBOYS v WESTS TIGERSFrom 11.00am AEST, check local guides. NRLW: DRAGONS v RAIDERS From 12.45pm AEST, check local guides.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTY – PANTHERS v TITANS Syd/Bris 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Melbourne 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 6.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Sunday, September 8
THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.
NRLW: SHARKS v ROOSTERS From 12.00pm AEST, check local guides.
NRLW: EELS v TITANS From 1.45pm AEST, check local guides.
SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – KNIGHTS v DOLPHINS Syd/Bris 3.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Melbourne 3.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 2.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 1.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
NRLW: KNIGHTS v BRONCOS From 6.10pm AEST, check local guides.
Monday, September 9
100% FOOTY NRL FINALS SPECIAL – 7.30PM LIVE ON 9NOW 8.30pm on 9Go! in Sydney/Brisbane.
It’s business time in the 2024 NRL season. Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head on the biggest talking points for the NRL Finals series with host James Bracey, plus the latest scoops from Nine reporters Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas.
DIGITAL – MARLEE AND ME: AVAILABLE ON 9NOW
MARLEE AND ME: NEW PODCAST AVAILABLE NOW – EPISODE 1: KALYN PONGA
A sporting prodigy who at the age of 15 was being head-hunted by six clubs across three different sports. A Maori man, big brother, and proud son. Kalyn Ponga sits down with Marlee Silva to delve into the personal stories in a candid and heartfelt conversation about his family, culture, and identity, and the lessons from his upbringing that shaped him.
Beyond the celebrations and victories, this six-part podcast reveals what truly matters most to rugby league’s great athletes. Watch it on 9NOW
NRL ROUND 27 AND NRLW ROUND 7 NINE GAMES LIVE AND FREE WATCH ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM ON 9NOW
It’s time to hit the road on Day 7 of the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games, when the Para Cycling Individual Road Time Trial heads up a packed day of action on the 9Network and 9Now.
Having already secured gold medals in Para Triathlon and Track Cycling respectively, Lauren Parker and Emily Petricola will head up the Aussie attack on the Individual Road Race. Seven Aussies will compete, including the flying mullet of Alistair Donohue, plus Darren Hicks, who is out to defend his Tokyo 2020 C2 gold medal.
Bringing plenty of flair with his brightly coloured hair is Taymon Kenton-Smith when the Men’s Individual Recurve kicks off in the Para Archery.
It’s personality plus in the pool, with the two Patterson’s, Scooter and Lucky, mixed with the infectious energy of Alexa Leary.
Scooter is chasing his maiden Paralympic gold medal in the 50m breaststroke SB2, while Alexa Leary and Lakeisha “Lucky” Patterson feature in the Women’s 100m Freestyle S9, rounding out a night where Aussies feature in eight separate Para Swimming events.
In the Para Athletics schedule, Sarah Clifton-Bligh and Rosemary Little will take on the final of the Women’s Shot Put F32.
Watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Live on a curated channel across Channel 9HD and 9GemHD, with every moment streamed on 9Now, where you can also stay up to date with Daily Highlights, Daily Top 10 Moments, and curated highlights for Team Australia, Para Swimming and Para Athletics.
DAY 7 SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS CHANNEL 9HD, 9GEMHD AND 9NOW
TIME (AEST)
EVENT
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4
4.00PM
PARA CYCLING – ROAD: TIME TRIAL Alana Forster, Emily Petricola, Meg Lemon, Darren Hicks, Amanda Reid, Lauren Parker, Alastair Donohue
5.00PM
PARA ARCHERY Taymon Kenton-Smith
5.30PM
PARA SWIMMING (HEATS) Jenna Jones (Women’s 100m Freestyle S12), Ricky Betar (Men’s 200m Ind. Medley SM14), Paige Leonhardt (Women’s 200m Ind Medley SM14), Callum Simpson (Men’s 400m Freestyle S8), Ella Jones (Women’s 400m Freestyle S8), Scooter Patterson (Men’s 50m Breastroke SB2) Chloe Osborn, Holly Warn (Women’s 100m Freestyle S7) Alexa Leary, Lucky Patterson, Emily Beecroft (Women’s 100m Freestyle)
6.00PM
PARA ATHLETICS Mali Lovell, Abby Craswell (Women’s 100m T36 Round 1)
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5
1.30AM
PARA SWIMMING (FINALS)
3.00AM
PARA ATHLETICS Rosemary Little, Sarah Clifton-Bligh (Women’s Shot Put F32 Final)
*Schedules subject to change
Day 7 Athlete in Focus: Alana Forster, Para Cycling-Road (Women’s C5 Individual Time Trial)
Alana Forster was driving to a cycling event when she was T-boned by another car. The Victorian was airlifted to hospital where she spent a week in the Intensive Care Unit, her injuries included a broken pelvis, femur, patella, ulna bones and several ribs. Before her crash, Alana had been a keen domestic and continental rider, juggling her cycling with her career as a medical doctor. A Ballarat local, Forster endured several surgeries and months in rehabilitation motivated by the goal of getting back on her bike. In 2023 she won gold at the UCI World Championships. She makes her Paralympic Games debut at Paris 2024.
