Round 3: Rugby League On Nine
Round 3: Rugby League On Nine
The raw emotion of the 2017 Grand Final will be revisited when Johnathan Thurston’s Cowboys get their chance to turn the tables on the Storm tomorrow night on Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
Playing on home soil on Thursday Night Football, the Storm are looking to bounce back from an upset loss to the Tigers, with a very motivated Cameron Smith and Billy Slater a dangerous proposition for the visitors.
After a nailbiting loss to the Broncos, the Cowboys will be buoyed by the possible return of backline star Michael Morgan and the promotion of Queensland Origin forward Coen Hess to the starting side.
Nine’s rugby league expert, Peter Sterling, says: “The clash between last year’s grand finalists is always a red-letter game eagerly anticipated. This one has added spice with both clubs unusually coming off a last-start loss, plus we have two of the most talented rosters up against each other and two patient football teams who are prepared to win the game in the last minute – and that may well be the case tomorrow night.”
On Friday Night Football, the story of the season so far in the resurgent Wests Tigers is ready to unfold further when they take on the Broncos at Campbelltown Stadium.
The Tigers have scored underdog wins against the Storm and the Roosters, with new coach Ivan Cleary instilling grit and toughness in a team that struggled in recent seasons.
The Broncos silenced a lot of doubters last week with a thrilling win against the Cowboys and an interesting match-up will play out when the flamboyance of Brisbane’s attack goes up against the impressive defence of the Tigers.
Nine’s rugby league expert, Darren Lockyer, says: “Written off by everyone, the Tigers have provided a total team effort in their two wins to open their premiership account. Scoring points has been an issue, but I believe good defence helps your attack because you don’t need to chase as many points. Front-row signing Ben Matulino has been outstanding and he will be one to watch on Friday night.
“The Broncos brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the fore last week in their win against the Cowboys and will need to replicate that against a side that will not slack off for the entire 80 minutes in front of their home crowd. Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall will be instrumental against his former club and relied on to steady the ship against Anthony Milford, who has a similar playing style.”
On Sunday Afternoon Football, the Titans take their home game against the Dragons to Toowoomba where a battle between two star halfbacks – Dragon Ben Hunt and Toowoomba local junior and Titan young gun Ash Taylor – will play out.
The Dragons got off to a flying start to the year with two strong wins and James Graham leading the way ahead of emerging stars such as Euan Aitken. The Titans look refreshed under coach Garth Brennan and will provide tricky opposition for the Dragons.
Broadcast Times
Thursday, March 22
Storm vs Cowboys
Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 7.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now with pre-match on 9GEM from 6.30pm
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 4.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Friday, March 23
Tigers vs Broncos
Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 7.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now with pre-match on 9GEM from 6.30pm
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 4.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Sunday, March 25
Dragons vs Titans
Sydney 3.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Brisbane 2.00pm LIVE on Nine and 9Now
Melbourne 3.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Adelaide 2.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
Perth 12.00pm LIVE on 9GEM and 9Now
For further information please contact:
Nine Network Publicity
Ryley McKay
E rmckay@nine.com.au P 02 9965 2529
Wednesday, March 21, 2018