More medical miracles are in the making after the Nine Telethon raised a remarkable total of $6,791,588 for Mater Little Miracles on Saturday night.

Nine Queensland Managing Director Kylie Blucher, Mater Mothers’ Director of Neonatology Dr Pita Birch, 9News Queensland’s Andrew Lofthouse, Melissa Downes and Aislin Kriukelis, Mater Foundation CEO Andrew Thomas and Mater Foundation Board Chair Virginia Ryan

This generous sum allows Mater, Australia’s busiest maternity care provider, to ensure Queensland’s sickest and tiniest babies will continue to have access to life-saving care as their families receive ongoing support. 

The 2024 Nine Telethon spotlighted the extraordinary work of Mater by sharing the real and resilient stories from its Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) and celebrating the life-saving and life-changing care provided by Mater’s devoted clinical teams.

In a heartwarming display of unity, people from all corners of the Sunshine State donated generously to aid their fellow Queenslanders and support Mater in being a leader in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine.

The outpouring of support was magnified by notable contributions from the Federal Government ($2 million), the Queensland Government ($1.5 million), and inaugural presenting partners: The Lott by Golden Casket, Suncorp and Plantation Homes. The Brisbane Broncos added to the donation tally by auctioning off captain Adam Reynolds’ and club veteran Corey Oates’ football boots, which echo the size of the seriously ill and premature babies tended to by Mater – more than 2,000 each year.

Managing Director of Nine Queensland and Nine Northern New South Wales, Kylie Blucher, said:

“Once again the Nine Telethon has worked its magic, leaving an indelible mark and transforming the lives of countless Queensland families. It’s truly heartwarming to witness our community uniting to support our own, and I am thrilled that Mater Little Miracles can continue to provide Queensland’s most vulnerable infants with the best possible start to life, thanks to these life-saving funds.

“My heartfelt gratitude extends to Nine Queensland’s dedicated production team and 9News Queensland and Nine talent, whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in achieving this wonderful outcome for Mater Little Miracles.”

Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said:

“What an extraordinary evening! Thanks to the Nine Telethon, the incredible sum of $6,791,588 ensures that more medical miracles are now within reach. These funds are truly life-changing for sick and premature babies.”

“The generosity from the community allows us to purchase the latest technology and equipment and invest in world-class research to improve the survival rates and long term outcomes for our tiniest patients. We want babies to survive; however, we also want them to thrive and live a full life without any physical or intellectual disability.

“Each dollar raised not only brings hope to countless Queensland families but also lays a solid foundation for a brighter, healthier future. On behalf of our amazing clinicians and our brilliant researchers, I express our sincere gratitude to the Nine Telethon for standing with us on this journey to support Queensland families for years to come.”

The Nine Telethon, broadcast from Mater Mothers’ Hospital, featured Queensland’s longest-serving presenting duo, 9News Queensland’s Melissa Downes and Andrew Lofthouse, welcoming viewers into the NCCU ward with 9News Queensland’s Aislin Kriukelis, and into the Nine Telethon Call Centre with NRL on Nine’s Peter Psaltis and Sam Thaiday. There were also special appearances by Paralympic athletes Paige Greco and Torita Blake, former tennis player John Millman, Channel 9’s The King, Wally Lewis, and more.

Presenting Partners of the 2024 Nine Telethon included the Queensland Government, Suncorp, The Lott by Golden Casket, and Plantation Homes.

Donations to the 2024 Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles can still be made at www.9telethon.com.au or via the QR Code below.

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
07 3214 9732 / 0416 644 807
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Monday, April 8, 2024

Lego® Masters Australia vs The World premiers Sunday, April 14 at 7:00PM on Channel 9 and 9Now

Logie-winning LEGO® Masters Australia is back for its sixth season with a world first global showdown. 

In a momentous Olympics year, it’s “Australia vs The World” at LEGO® Masters with four brand-new teams from Australian taking on four International LEGO® counterparts from Denmark, Germany, France and USA.  

Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake returns as host, alongside judge Ryan “Brickman” McNaught. Special guest Sophie Monk joins the dynamic duo for the most demanding challenges we have seen in a season so far.

The international teams have competed in their own local LEGO® Masters competition before, but now they’re up against four Australian teams who comprise the brightest and best new builders in the country, including a Lego store manager, a Lego art designer and an official Lego master builder.

The Aussies have an undeniable home-ground advantage and come with the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s required in a LEGO® Masters Australia competition.

This season there will be special guest appearances from Australian radio presenter and comedian Michael “Wippa” Wipfli and Jordy Hocking from Lego Masters Season 1. This year the challenges are more demanding than ever. They include LEGO® go kart racing, a spectacular window display challenge, fan favourite Is It Fake? with a parisian twist and celebrating 85 years of Batman. 

LEGO® Masters: Australia vs The World will host the ultimate showdown, with contestants reaching incredible new levels of creativity as the most skilled brick artisans on Earth delve into the endlessly expanding brick pit, striving to make their country proud.

With this year’s brick pit ready to go with more than 4 million bricks on offer, viewers can expect the most unbelievable builds in LEGO® TV history as teams build to their hearts’ content for the most prized trophy of all.

LEGO® Masters: Australia vs The World comes from producers Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Company). The series is adapted from an original UK format from Tuesday’s Child Productions and The  LEGO® Group. 

LEGO® MASTERS AUSTRALIA  – TEAMS 

Ben (24) & Eric (21)

These friends from Newcastle bonded over their love for bricks whilst working at the LEGO® store together. Spending 20 hours a week building, they have a particular interest in custom vignettes. They are ready to take their skills out of the LEGO® retail space and into the Masters arena.

Dianne (59) & Shane (38)

Mother and son Dianne and Shane are ready to showcase their unique building skills on the LEGO® Masters Australia stage. They are more than just family – these two are an inseparable team. With a connection forged through a shared love of creativity, competition and enchantment, this Disney princess and mathematics whizz spark joy not just in their builds, but in everything they do.

Charlie (19) & Haley (25)

Solo builders Charlie and Haley will be a force to be reckoned with when paired for the first time in this season’s battle of the best. Having achieved fabulous success in both their LEGO® accomplishments and personal careers, this young female duo are ready to front up against some of the toughest competition LEGO® Masters Australia has ever seen.

Sam (38) & Emilio (38)

This quirky Victorian duo are high-energy, ultra-competitive and ready to attack every challenge with gusto. Bricks play an important part in their relationship, with the loveable couple meeting years ago at a LEGO® themed adult scavenger hunt. With Sam specialising in digital LEGO®  artwork and Emilio having a keen eye for aesthetics and colour coordination, this is a duo to watch out for.

Krystle (36) & Michelle (44)

LEGO® building superstars Krystle and Michelle represent America in this season’s intercontinental competition. Both hailing from Texas, the pair are teaming up for the first time. Krystle competed in Season One of LEGO® Masters USA and Michelle appeared in Season Two and won the 2023 Celebrity LEGO® Masters Holiday Bricktacular Special.

Felix (21) & Annalena (27) 

Representing Germany, these fitness fanatics and winners of LEGO® Masters Germany Season One are ready to put on a show for Australia. Unsurprisingly, they met 10 years ago at a track and field training day. With both thriving in their personal lives and LEGO®  approaches, they are ready to take their building capabilities to the next level on LEGO® Masters Australia.

Camille (34) & Caroline (22)

To celebrate the Olympic games in France, semi-finalists in Season 3 of LEGO® Masters France, siblings Camille and Caroline are back for another crack at LEGO® glory – on the other side of the world. After placing third in 2022, they are hoping that with an extra year of building under their belts, 2024 might see them inching higher up the brick totem pole and into the winning position.

Peter (41) & Ida (33) 

Hailing from the original home of LEGO®, Danish team Peter and Ida have one strategy when it comes to tackling the Australian competition: have fun. Quirky, bright, playful friends, the duo were runners up on Season 2 of LEGO® Masters Denmark. Arriving in Australia for the first time, Ida and Peter are excited to have another opportunity at taking out the LEGO® Masters title.

For further information please contact: 
Nine Publicity 
Alexandra Reed 
alexandra.reed@nine.com.au
0402 355 444

Friday, April 5, 2024

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have unveiled a major new campaign that showcases the breadth and depth of journalism featured in Australia’s two most read mastheads.

Launching across Sydney and Melbourne this past week, the campaign entitled “All Yours” features flagship content for the mastheads, including a focus on sport, puzzles, Good Food and Traveller, alongside some familiar faces in investigative reporters Kate McClymont and Nick McKenzie, as well as celebrity chef Adam Liaw.

The campaign is a response to research which showed audiences are looking for more than core news from their subscriptions, and increasingly want to be engaged with content that reflects their passions or helps them learn and discover new things.  

Tory Maguire, Managing Director – Publishing, said: “While our mastheads continue to be the destination of choice for trusted, quality journalism and investigations, ‘All Yours’ celebrates the wider range of engaging content that readers are seeking out, and encourages them to discover more with us.

“Our journalists are driven to deliver the best, extending beyond traditional news — to the way we live-blog the Taylor Swift tour or provide access to the country’s best recipes and reviews with Good Food, we’re passionate about enriching the news experience.” 

The campaign was developed in collaboration with Publicis Worldwide Australia and Taxi Film productions, and creatively seeks to replicate the immersive and endless content experiences available to explore with the Herald and The Age through readers’ devices. 

Brought to life through the work of director Tristan Houghton, a proud Yindjibarndi man from the Pilbara region of WA, the films reflect the respective markets as the protagonist, actor Joshua Sasse, dives from content to content within the Herald/Age app.

Vera Straubinger, Head of Brand and Acquisition for Publishing, said:

“We recognise that our readers want to immerse themselves in content they enjoy anywhere, anytime. We’re excited to bring this to life creatively, showcasing the engaging experience readers can expect as we continue to invest in new ways to bring quality journalism and exciting content to our audiences.”

Over the coming eight weeks, “All Yours” can be seen across broadcast TV and BVOD, cinema, OOH, transit, retail, print and social, as well as Spotify, LiSTNR and our own Nine podcasts. 

Watch The Sydney Morning Herald campaign HERE
Watch The Age campaign HERE
High res images HERE

CREATIVE CREDITS – NINE ENTERTAINMENT “All Yours”

Nine Entertainment
Director Subscriptions & Growth: Kristen Turner
Head of Brand & Acquisition: Vera Straubinger
Marketing Lead Brand & Acquisition – Metros: Kymberley Joseph
Marketing Manager Brand & Acquisition – Metros: Leah McNeill

Agency: Publicis Brisbane
Managing Director: Simone Waugh
Executive Creative Director: Ryan Petie
Group Creative Director: (Copy): Jim McKeown
Creative Director: (Art) David Schaak
Executive Production Director: Vicki Lee 
General Manager/Chief Client Partner: Jude Johannesen
Senior Account Director: Mary Graham
Account Executive: Matisse Sipa Borgeaud
Strategy Director: Simon Murphy
Strategy Director: Swati Shivshankar

Production Company: Taxi Films
Executive Producer: Andrew Wareham
Director: Tristan Houghton 
Producer: Simone Mackie
DOP: Mark Desiatov
Art Director: Laura Elkington
Robot Operator: Brendan Isaac

Stills Photography: Compadre Pictures
Photographer: Jason Starr
Producer: Katherine Cooke
Retouching: Justin Overall
Post Production:
Editor: Tim Eddy
Grade: Kali Bateman
Online/VFX: Barnaby Bretton / Mesh FX
Sound: Ross Batten / Rosco Audio

Original Music Composition: Jarsonic
Raf Mikolajczyk

For more information:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing
amotte@nine.com.au
0415 271 339

Thursday, April 4, 2024

MONDAY, APRIL 15, AT 8.45PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

Get ready for more heart-pounding action when Paramedics, the gripping series showcasing Australia’s dedicated ambulance crews in action on people’s toughest days, returns for an exhilarating new season, Monday, April 15, at 8.45pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

This season of Paramedics will again give viewers exclusive and unprecedented access to our frontline emergency service personnel as they render assistance to those in their time of need. 

New ambulance crews face fresh challenges, heart-stopping drama, and encounter patients whose resilience and will to survive is inspirational. Each gripping episode unfolds the reality of life-and-death emergencies through the eyes of the dedicated paramedics.

In the season premiere, we follow Hannah’s momentous debut as a mobile Intensive Care Paramedic, as she deals with a woman who stopped breathing after collapsing and has no heartbeat. Meanwhile, Sally and Olivia, both mothers, grapple with concerns over a small boy who may have sustained a head injury after a fall at grandma’s place. 

Watch as single-responder Dan skilfully extracts a P-plate driver after crashing his car, and go along with Aaron and Laura who come to the aid of a young footballer who has taken a blow to the face during a game, just ahead of the school dance.

Buckle up for another season of life-saving rescues filled with courage, compassion, and the extraordinary efforts of Australia’s frontline heroes in Paramedics, which will once again be narrated by acclaimed actor and philanthropist Samuel Johnson OAM.

Paramedics is a WTFN production for the 9Network.

PARAMEDICS RETURNS MONDAY, APRIL 15, AT 8.45PM AEST 
ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

For further information: 
9Network Publicity
Alex Dyer
alex.dyer@nine.com.au

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will showcase the biggest golf tournament in the world when The Masters comes to 9Now and 9GemHD live and free from Thursday, April 11 – the date of the annual Par 3 contest.

FROM THURSDAY, APRIL 11 

EVERY ROUND LIVE AND FREE ON 9GEMHD 
STREAM LIVE PLAY FOR FREE ON 9NOW

CAM SMITH, TIGER WOODS, ADAM SCOTT 
IN THE BIGGEST GOLF TOURNAMENT IN THE WORLD 

 
Former Masters champion Adam Scott will lead Australia’s contingent alongside Cameron Smith, Jason Day, 2023 Australian PGA champion Min Woo Lee, Cameron Davis and young amateur Jasper Stubbs.
 
They will be up against a red-hot field that features Tiger Woods, world No.1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickleson, defending Masters champion Jon Rahm and Dustin Johnson, the Masters victor in 2020.  

Coverage begins with the annual Par 3 contest on Thursday, April 11, before the first round of The Masters gets underway on Friday, April 12.
 
9Now will feature additional content to stream with Feature Groups, Amen Corner and the 15th and 16th holes all available.
 
Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “Year after year, The Masters delivers some of global sports’ most spine-tingling moments and unforgettable memories. The best players in the world, including a strong Australian contingent, will converge on the iconic Augusta course for the ultimate in unscripted sporting drama. 

“Nine will again deliver it live and free, with coverage of every day of play, plus additional streams available on 9Now.”

Cam Smith (left) and Adam Scott lead the Aussie attack on The Masters,
free on the 9Network

THE MASTERS – LIVE from Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, USA.
 
Par 3 Contest Thursday, April 11:  5.00am to 7.00am LIVE on 9Gem and 9Now

Friday, April 12              5.00am-9.30am LIVE on 9Gem and 9Now
Saturday, April 13         5.00am-9.30am LIVE on 9Gem and 9Now
Sunday, April 14            5.00am-9.00am LIVE on 9Gem and 9Now
Monday, April 15           4.00am to end of play LIVE on 9Gem and 9Now
 
Note – Live coverage will continue until the end of play

Live and on-demand streaming for Channel 9’s Masters coverage available on 9Now.

THE MASTERS
STREAM FOR FREE ON 9NOW
LIVE AND FREE ON 9GEMHD FROM APRIL 11

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au
07 3214 9732 / 0416 644 807

Thursday, April 4, 2024

The Brisbane Broncos will charge head-on into a Storm in Melbourne on Thursday Night Footy as the two powerhouses kick off Round 5 of NRL on Nine, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY: KNIGHTS V DRAGONS
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND STREAMING FREE ON 9NOW

Crafty Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds will need to pull out all the stops to break his club’s winless streak at AAMI Park, having lost seven straight games since 2016. Can Reynolds unlock the power and precision the 2023 Grand Finalists have at their disposal?

The Broncos must weather a Storm front that includes Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes and thrilling finisher Xavier Coates, who will be leading the purple army into battle from 6.30pm AEST on 9Gem and 7.00pm AEST on Channel 9HD. 

NRL on Nine’s live commentary is hosted by James Bracey, with the Eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns, and the most capped NRL player of all time, Cameron Smith, joined by Storm legend, Billy Slater, and Danika Mason for sideline updates.

This week, Friday Night Football is live from Newcastle where the Knights crusaders meet the fire-breathing Dragons, hot off a big Easter upset win against Manly.

Kalyn Ponga is the knight in shining armour at fullback for Newcastle, and he will need to inspire his teammates to defend their shaky kingdom, from 6.30pm AEST on 9Gem and 7.00pm AEST on Channel 9HD. Millie Elliot, Danika Mason and Allana Ferguson will join the coverage from the sideline. 

The NRL Sunday Footy Show dissects the round so far from 10.00am AEST on 9Gem and 11.00am AEST on Channel 9HD before the Cowboys and Titans duke it out on Sunday Arvo Footy from 3.00pm AEST, with Johnathan Thurston sideline in Townsville for Nine’s free coverage of the game.  

And from Monday night, 100% Footy will be live and free to stream from 6.30pm AEST on 9Now for the remainder of the 2024 season. 

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 4

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – STORM v BRONCOS

Friday, April 5

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – KNIGHTS v DRAGONS

Sunday, March 31

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – on Channel 9 and 9Now. Roz Kelly, Mark Taylor and Gus Worland.

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

HOSTPLUS QLD CUP –  from 2.10pm AEDT. Central Qld Capras v Burleigh Bears, available on 9Now pop-up channel live and free.

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v GOLDCOAST TITANS

Monday, April 8

100% Footy 
10.00pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane.

Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the fifth round of the season with host James Bracey. All the latest scoops come from 9News reporter Danny Weidler.

NRL ROUND 5 ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM THURSDAY, APRIL 4, AT 7.30PM AEDT
LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW AND CHANNEL 9HD

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

From East to West, the Sunshine State and across the ditch to New Zealand, NRL on Nine is the place to be over the Easter weekend, with four games live and free from Thursday on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

THURSDAY NIGHT: ROOSTERS V PANTHERS
GOOD FRIDAY DOUBLE-HEADER: LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM FREE ON 9NOW

Round 4 starts with the NRL’s best from the West, the Penrith Panthers, travelling to Allianz Stadium in the city to play the Bondi Boys, the Sydney Roosters.

Having claimed five of the past six premierships, another high-octane clash is in prospect when these outstanding clubs built on success line up in Thursday Night Football from 6.30pm AEST.

The live commentary is hosted by James Bracey, with the Eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns, joining Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater, and fellow premiership winners Phil “Gus” Goul and Paul Gallen. Sideline updates come from Roosters legend Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

Good Friday Football is an absorbing double-header from 2.00pm AEST, starting with the winless Rabbitohs desperately chasing the chocolates against the improving Bulldogs in their annual Easter Show grudge match. Can Latrell Mitchell get a rise out of his rabbits, or will Stephen Chrichton and his dogs be barking loudest? 

Completing the double-header is a real doozy: the Broncos and Cowboys in the annual Queensland derby from 6.30pm AEST.

This clash that traditionally brings out the best in both clubs shapes as a flex-your-premiership-credentials encounter at Suncorp Stadium. Slick Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has a big task on his hands rounding up flying Broncos Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam.

Queensland, Broncos and Cowboys legends Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Paul “Fatty” Vautin, and Darren Lockyer will all feature in Nine’s live coverage of the game.  

Sunday Arvo Footy is the fourth game live and free on Nine. The “Up the Wahs” movement that propelled the New Zealand Warriors to the finals in 2023 reignites behind Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Shaun Johnson from 2.00pm AEST. 

Standing in their way are Kalyn Ponga and the Newcastle Knights. Ironically, it was the Warriors who sent the Knights packing in week two of the finals last year, and the Knights would love to serve up some revenge and silence the boisterous Kiwi crowd.

Gus Gould’s NRL on Nine game of the round

Nine NRL expert commentator and multiple premiership-winning coach, Phil “Gus” Gould, said: “After destroying South Sydney Rabbitohs last weekend, the Sydney Roosters set their sights on the ultimate challenge of taking down the defending three-time premiers, the Penrith Panthers. 

“The Panthers have really had the Roosters’ measure in recent seasons. But the Roosters are in sparkling early-season form and will fancy their chances, especially playing at their magnificent home stadium. Mind you, many have tried to lower the Panther colours and many have failed. The Panthers love the battle.” 

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 28

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – ROOSTERS v PANTHERS

Friday, March 29

GOOD FRIDAY FOOTBALL – RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRISBANE BRONCOS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Sunday, March 31

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – on Channel 9 and 9Now. Roz Kelly, Mark Taylor and Gus Worland.

Sydney 10.00am AEDT, Brisbane 10.00am AEST, Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth from 12.00pm

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

HOSTPLUS QLD CUP –  from 1.10pm AEST. Central Qld Capras v Burleigh Bears, available on 9Now pop-up channel live and free.

Nine Queensland rugby league commentator, Peter Psaltis, says: “Burleigh are set to be a force again in this year’s competition with exciting halves duo Josh Rogers and Guy Hamilton steering the ship. And watch out for flyer Troy Leo in full flight.

“The Capras will be looking to get the two points at home and push for a spot in the top four. Once one of the competition’s easybeats, the Capras are now one of the best teams to watch in the competition. Get ready for some very entertaining footy.”

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Monday, April 1st

100% Footy – 10.00pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane, stream free or catch-up on 9Now.

Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the fourth round of the season with host James Bracey. All the latest scoops come from 9News reporter Michael Chammas.

NRL ROUND 4 ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 28, AT 6.30PM AEST
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

An NRL on Nine nirvana awaits as the Panthers and Broncos set the battle lines for their Grand Final rematch and the game’s greatest rivalry – Roosters v Rabbitohs – resumes in Round 3, starting Thursday on Channel 9 and 9Now.

THURSDAY NIGHT: PANTHERS V BRONCOS GRAND FINAL REMATCH
ROOSTERS V RABBITOHS IN FIERY FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM FREE ON 9NOW

Nathan Cleary’s spine-tingling Grand Final winning try will provide all the motivation the Reece Walsh-inspired Broncos need when they arrive in Penrith for their Grand Final rematch on Thursday Night Football from 6.30pm AEST.

The Eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns, is joined in the commentary box by the NRL’s most capped player, Cameron Smith, with fellow Premiership winning captains Paul Gallen, Johnathan Thurston and Brad Fittler at the ground to give viewers exclusive access to the dressing sheds and field of play on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

On Friday Night Footy, the oldest rivalry in rugby league renews in Roosters v Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs, yet to win this season, feature former Dally M medallist Jack Wighton in his club debut, and they would love nothing more than celebrating the union with a win over their most heated rivals.

Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will play his 300th NRL game in a star-studded Roosters squad that poses an ominous threat to the 2024 premiership title.

In commentary, hosted by James Bracey, Andrew Johns is joined by Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, with sideline updates from Roosters legend Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

Gus Gould’s Round 3 preview

Nine NRL expert commentator and multiple premiership-winning coach, Phil “Gus” Gould, says: “The 2023 Grand Final produced one of the most exciting and dramatic sporting contests in recent memory. Not to mention, one of the most stunning finishes in rugby league history. It was an electrifying display of rugby league excellence. 

“The Panthers and Broncos are clearly the top two teams in this competition. The battle continues in a Grand Final rematch this Thursday night. 

“The Roosters and Rabbitohs local derby represents the most intense rivalry our game has to offer. This war has been waged ever since rugby league time began. The intensity is palpable. 

“There is always drama when these two great clubs clash, and there is more at stake here than just competition points. The tradition continues this Friday night.” 

Sunday Arvo Footy

The fierce Manly and Parramatta rivalry born in the 1970s brings a shade of old school to the new at CommBank Stadium in Sydney for Sunday Arvo Footy at 2.00pm AEST. 

With Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans flying high, the Sea Eagles will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season. But the Eels want to show they are the real deal with an emphatic win orchestrated by Mitch Moses and Clint Gutherson against a major contender.

Coverage of this game will round out celebrations of the NRL’s multicultural round.
 
BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 21

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – PENRITH PANTHERS v BRISBANE BRONCOS

Friday, March 22

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – SYDNEY ROOSTERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Sunday, March 24

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – on Channel 9 and 9Now. Roz Kelly, Mark Taylor and Gus Worland.

Sydney 10.00am AEDT, Brisbane 10.00am AEST, Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth from 12.00pm

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

HOSTPLUS QLD CUP – from 3.40pm AEST. Wynnum Manly Seagulls host the undefeated Redcliffe Dolphins, available on 9Now pop-up channel live and free.

Nine Queensland rugby league commentator Peter Psaltis says: “This is one of the great clashes between two bitter Brisbane-based rivals, and it’s got even more spice being a clash between the Dolphins and Broncos feeder clubs.

“It’s a chance to see cult figure Valence Te Whare in action for the Dolphins. He is desperate to impress Wayne Bennett and force his way back into the NRL.

“This is going to be another great instalment of the battle of the bayside.”

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – PARRAMATTA EELS v MANLY SEA EAGLES

Monday, March 25

100% Footy – 10.00pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane, stream free or catch-up on 9Now.

Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the third round of the season with host James Bracey. All the latest scoops come from 9News reporter Danny Weidler.

NRL ROUND 3 ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 21, AT 6.30PM AEST
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Nine’s mastheads, 3AW, 9News and 60 Minutes have swept the field at the 2024 Quill Awards for Excellence in Victorian Journalism, including the coveted Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year Award to The Australian Financial Review’s Neil Chenoweth and Edmund Tadros for their outstanding coverage of the PwC Tax Leaks Scandal.

In a story that dominated the news cycle last year, Tadros and Chenoweth exposed how senior figures at PwC leaked confidential Treasury documents to drum up tax business for the firm. The revelations led to the break-up of the accounting giant, the departure of the CEO and the biggest crackdown on misconduct by tax advisors in Australian history.

Editor-in-chief of the Financial Review, Michael Stutchbury, said, “Neil Chenoweth and Edmund Tadros were the perfect team to follow all the threads of the PwC scandal originally broken by Neil. They combined old-fashioned journalism of dogged forensic document-sifting with deep knowledge of the tax bureaucracy and well-placed contacts inside the big consultancy firms.” 

“By calling out bad behaviour, it is a classic example of The Australian Financial Review’s purpose to promote Australia’s prosperity by fostering business-led opportunity.”  

Collecting 15 awards across 31 categories, the depth of Nine’s journalism was on display, with journalists across publishing, television and audio, as well as camera operators, photojournalists and illustrators taking home awards.  

The Age’s Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters were awarded the Grant Hattam Quill for Investigative Journalism for their tireless Ben-Roberts Smith investigation; while masthead colleague Carla Jaeger was named the Young Journalist of the Year for her dogged reporting on the crisis crippling Netball Australia.

Editor of The Age, Patrick Elligett said, “The fact the judges saw fit to award one-third of the available Quills to the journalists, photographers and artists of The Age – almost double any other outlet – is a welcome endorsement of our strategy of pursuing high quality, compelling public interest journalism above all else.”

“These 11 Quills are an endorsement of our values as an organisation, a testament to the hard work of our winners and the production and editing teams who support their work. 

“To our readers and subscribers, thank you for supporting the work of the state’s finest newsroom and making the stories behind these awards possible.”

9News journalist Christine Ahern and senior producer Lisa Brown were awarded for their 60 Minutes story that uncovered the problems within the Victorian Building Authority, while 9News camera operator Tim Furness was awarded TV Camera Work (Shot of the Year) for his camera work on the Fitzroy garden murder.   

Director of 9News Melbourne, Hugh Nailon, said: “Pictures are the lifeblood of TV News and Tim displayed outstanding news instincts to capture an unforgettable image that told the story as well as any words could.”

“These are the moments our newsroom strives to capture every day, bringing the audience as close to the story as possible.” 

60 Minutes Executive Producer, Kirsty Thomson, said: “Christine Ahern and Lisa Brown’s investigation into the embattled Victorian building authority was a great example of forensic and determined public interest journalism. The revelations in the story led to the VBA boss resigning days after the broadcast. Everyone at 60 Minutes is very proud of the story and Christine and Lisa’s brilliant work.”

3AW broadcaster Shane McInnes won the Radio Current Affairs category for his interviews that exposed a serious gap in public health information around the availability of vaccines for different strains of meningococcal.

3AW Station Manager, Stephen Beers said, “We are delighted Shane and the production team have been honoured with such a prestigious award. The story and follow up was live and local radio at its best. Shane has been a key member of the 3AW team for 16 years and this Quill is well deserved recognition.”

The Quill Awards, bestowed by the Melbourne Press Club, are the premier media awards in Victoria and celebrate the very best in journalism.

The full list of Nine’s award winners are below: 

2023 Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year 
Winner: Neil Chenoweth and Edmund Tadros, of The Australian Financial Review, coverage of the PwC Tax Leaks Scandal

Artwork
Winner: Matthew Absalom-Wong, The Age, “Hong Bao diplomacy”

Business News/Feature
Winner: Peter Ker and Brad Thompson, The Australian Financial Review, “Forrests and Fortescue”

Cartoon
Winner: Matt Golding, The Sunday Age, “The nation said no.”

Coverage of Women in Sport
Winner: Marnie Vinall and Greg Baum, The Age, “FIFA Women’s World Cup”

Excellence in Science, Medical and Health Reporting
Winner: Sherryn Groch, The Age, “Journey into the deep sea”

Feature Writing    
Winner: Michael Bachelard, Good Weekend magazine, “Talking trans”

Grant Hattam Quill for Investigative Journalism
Winner: Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters, The Age, Ben Roberts-Smith Investigations

Radio Current Affairs
Winner: Shane McInnes, 3AW, “Victoria’s Meningococcal Vaccine Failure”

Reporting on Disability Issues
Winner: Charlotte Grieve, The Age, “The disturbing treatment for mental health crises”

Sports News
Winner: Ben Schneiders, The Age, “The tax haven, the PO box, the tropical island: Who owns Australian soccer”

TV Camera Work (Shot of the Year)
Winner: Tim Furness, Nine News, “Fitzroy garden murder”

TV/Video Feature
Winner: Christine Ahern and Lisa Brown, 60 Minutes, “VBA exposed”

Young Journalist of the Year
Winner: Carla Jaeger, The Age, “Netball Australia”

Features Photograph
Winner: Eddie Jim, The Age, “Fighting, Not Sinking”

News Photograph
Winner: Christopher Hopkins, The Age, “Nazis on Our Doorstep”

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte 
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing
amotte@nine.com.au

Monday, March 18, 2024