Nine Entertainment : NRL Preliminary Finals On Nine

NRL Grand Final spots are on the line this weekend on Nine with two mouth-watering preliminary finals - Storm versus Broncos and Roosters versus Cowboys - LIVE and FREE on the Wide World of Sports.

The Wide World of Sports coverage will feature the best commentary team in the game, led by 'the voice of rugby league,' Ray 'Rabs' Warren.

Nine's preliminary finals coverage starts tomorrow night at 7.30pm* with the Storm-Broncos grudge match at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Expert commentator and premiership-winning coach Phil Gould says the Storm will take some beating.

'The brilliance of this Storm side lies in the simplicity of their play. They have a repertoire that revolves around Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater. It's complemented by the X-factor from Cameron Munster, plus two brilliant wingers in Suliasi Vunivalu and Josh Addo-Carr who are so fast and deadly, all topped off with a big forward pack.

'They love to start fast and play at a high intensity. They're a hard-working, tradesman-like team that is very consistent, and what you've seen this season is what you'll get again on Friday night.

'However, I don't believe their pack is as formidable as some say and I've seen other teams gain a lot of metres and create linebreaks in the middle around the Storm forwards. It'll be interesting to see how the Broncos approach this match.

'Despite the Storm being heavy favourites the Broncos are no slouches. They have a team laden with Origin and international stars and Darius Boyd is back. But they need to go to an even higher level with their defence and keep the Storm below two tries to make an upset possible.'

Gould's player to watch: 'Cooper Cronk. Playing his last game in Melbourne for the Storm, this professional in every sense of the word will steer his team home and continue his quest to sign off with a premiership.'

On Saturday night from 7.00pm* at Sydney's Allianz Stadium, Nine presents the second NRL preliminary final. The Roosters will face the Cowboys, who have lassoed their doubters and are continuing their amazing finals journey.

Wide World of Sports' rugby league expert, Peter Sterling, believes the Roosters hold the upper hand. 'It's been an outstanding finals series with basically all games being in the balance late in the contest, and I expect the Roosters-Cowboys clash will be no different.

'I have no doubt that the weekend off will be a distinct advantage for the Roosters. However they have shown a propensity to struggle to play a full 80 minutes, something the Cowboys have excelled in during this finals series.

'It was wonderful to see Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who looks to be finding his best form, come out and not only challenge the Cowboys, but the colossal beast Jason Taumalolo himself. Sounding this challenge will have no doubt stirred Taumalolo, but sometimes you don't exactly want what you're calling for.

'The Cowboys are looking to create history. They are the only team left in the competition who finished outside the top four, they have momentum and great belief, and they are very well coached by Paul Green, who ironically learned his trade under Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

'I favour the Roosters, but I didn't believe the Cowboys would even make the finals. They've defied the odds and continue to do so, which makes for a great spectacle this weekend.'

Sterling's player to watch: 'Michael Morgan. He has been outstanding in Thurston's absence and will be dangerous again on Saturday night. He has speed, toughness and football smarts, but it's his composure at key moments that has impressed me the most.'

Broadcast Times

Friday, September 22
Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos

Sydney 7.30pm LIVE on Nine
Brisbane 7.30pm LIVE on Nine
Melbourne 7.30pm LIVE on Nine
Adelaide 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM
Perth 5.30pm LIVE on 9GEM

Saturday, September 23
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys

Sydney 7.00pm LIVE on Nine
Brisbane 7.00pm LIVE on Nine
Melbourne 7.00pm LIVE on 9GEM
Adelaide 6.30pm LIVE on 9GEM
Perth 5.00pm LIVE on 9GEM

RUGBY LEAGUE ACTION THIS WEEK ON NINE

• SIX TACKLES WITH GUS - Nine's James Bracey discusses the biggest rugby league issues of the week with NRL legend and expert commentator Phil Gould on Six Tackles with Gus.
This week: Des Hasler; Matt Scott's return for the Cowboys; and Who will make the Grand Final
Download here: Finals Week 3 - Six Tackles with Gus

• THE NRL FOOTY SHOW - Tonight, September 21, at 8.30pm. Fatty Vautin, Erin Molan, Darryl Brohman and Beau Ryan are joined by Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler and Matt Cooper. Beau chats to Kingsman: The Golden Circle stars Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, Pedro Pascal and Taron Egerton. JT and Fatty tackle the dark room challenge.

• SPORTS SUNDAY - Sunday, September 24, at 10.00am. Frank and open debate on all the big issues in sport. Host Emma Freedman is joined by Candice Warner, Adam MacDougall, Neil Breen and Peter FitzSimons.

• SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW - Sunday, September 24, at 11.00am. Hosted by James Bracey alongside Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, Brad Fittler and Paul Gallen. Special guest is Melbourne Storm star fullback Billy Slater.

• NRL GRAND FINAL - Sunday, October 1, from 11am*. EXCLUSIVELY LIVE and FREE on Nine's Wide World of Sports.

*Check local guides for details. Times will differ.

For further information please contact Nine Publicity:
Ryley McKay
Publicist - Wide World of Sports
T: 02 9965 2727 E: [e-mail]

Thursday, September 21, 2017