Rugby league’s greatest rivalry will burst onto Nine EXCLUSIVELY, LIVE and FREE, when the XXXX Queensland Maroons face the new-look Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues in Holden State of Origin Game 1 at the MCG on Wednesday, June 6, at 7.00pm. 

The voice of rugby league, Ray “Rabs” Warren, will call the action from the Nine Network commentary box alongside Peter Sterling, Phil Gould and Paul Vautin.

James Bracey will host Nine’s State of Origin Game 1 coverage, flanked by rugby league Immortals Andrew “Joey” Johns and Wally “The King” Lewis, along with Origin legends Darren Lockyer and Paul Gallen.

Nine’s Director of Sport, Tom Malone, said: “State of Origin is entering a new era, full of youthful excited Blues and a refreshed yet experienced Maroons team. With a new coach for New South Wales, a new captain for Queensland, a final series for Billy Slater and an opening match at the MCG, there has never been so much anticipation about an Origin opener. 

“Wide World of Sports will be showcasing this incredible sporting rivalry like never before with special extended coverage from 7.00pm, four extra camera angles on 9Now, and full clips and highlights on WWOS.com.au, all to give fans the best possible access and analysis.”

All three games will be available anywhere, anytime on 9Now, with five streams: the Main program, Tryline Cam, Spider Cam, NSW Player Cam and QLD Player Cam.

What’s more, viewers can get all the latest news on WWOS.COM.AU and up-to-date scores, tackles and live commentary with Wide World of Sports on social media: LIKE the big moments on Facebook and Instagram, or join the chat on Twitter using #Origin.

2018 HOLDEN STATE OF ORIGIN GAMES:
SOO Game 1 – Melbourne Cricket Ground Wednesday, June 6, at 7.00pm
SOO Game 2 – ANZ Stadium, Sydney Sunday, June 24, at 7.00pm
SOO Game 3 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Wednesday, July 11, at 7.00pm

** Check local guides for details. 
            

Broadcast Times
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
State of Origin Game 1
XXXX Queensland Maroons vs Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues

Sydney            7.00pm LIVE on Nine 
Brisbane          7.00pm LIVE on Nine 
Melbourne       7.00pm LIVE on Nine
Adelaide          7.00pm LIVE on Nine
Perth               5.30pm LIVE on Nine

2018 STATE OF ORIGIN COUNTDOWN ON NINE:

• SIX TACKLES WITH GUS – The hardest opinions and news stories throughout the 2018 Origin series will be covered every week on the Six Tackles with Gus podcast. Nine’s James Bracey will discuss the biggest rugby league issues of the week throughout the series with NRL legend and expert commentator Phil Gould.

• 9NOW.COM.AU/STATE-OF-ORIGIN – 9Now will feature memorable moments, clips from the archives and highlights from last year’s series in the build-up to Origin I. All three games will be available anywhere, anytime on 9Now, with five streams: the Main program, Tryline Cam, Spider Cam, NSW Player Cam and QLD Player Cam.

• NINE NEWS, Week nights from 6.00pm – Your favourite nightly news service will deliver the most up-to-date news leading into Origin I. Led by Cameron Williams and Wally Lewis, Nine’s expert rugby league reporters Danny Weidler, Neil Breen, Julie Snook and Danika Mason will have all the biggest stories before and after every game of the 2018 series from either side of the border.

• 100% FOOTY, STATE OF ORIGIN SPECIAL – Monday, June 4, 9.45pm, on Nine and 9Now. 100% Footy is the home of the strongest opinions in rugby league from the people who count. Phil Gould returns with Paul Gallen, alongside Jillaroos star Ruan Sims and journalist Neil Breen. 

• WWOS.COM.AU – All the latest news before the big game including video content from Nine’s unrivalled lineup of Origin legends. 

For further information please contact:  
Nine Network Publicity
Ryley McKay 
E rmckay@nine.com.au P 02 9965 2727

Friday, June 1, 2018