The Storm and Panthers are shaping up for an epic NRL Grand Final rematch on Thursday Night Footy, when NRL Round 3 features the biggest rugby league rivalries with three grudge matches, live and free, on Channel 9 and 9Now this weekend.

On Thursday Night Footy from 7.30pm AEDT, the Storm get their first shot at inflicting some pain on the Panthers for their 2024 Grand Final defeat, when they host them at AAMI Park, Melbourne. Fresh from a bye, the Storm are at full strength after a crushing round 1 victory, while the Panthers are coming off a shock loss to the Roosters last week. Every Storm home game in 2025 is available for free on Channel 9 Melbourne. 

Saddle up for the Queensland Derby on Friday Night Footy, when the Broncos host the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. While scenes of their epic 2015 Grand Final encounter ring loudest, both sides always bring out the best in each other when they meet regardless of their position on the ladder when Queensland rugby league’s big brother meets little brother. 

In his return season with the club, the Broncos sole remaining player from the 2015 Grand Final, Ben Hunt, will be out to put on a show for Broncos fans 10 years on from that painful night. 

A local rivalry born out of their 1980s domination headlines Sunday Arvo Footy when the Bulldogs meet the Eels. Captained by NSW State of Origin star Stephen Crichton, the dogs are barking loud after an undefeated start to the season and have shown grit with their defence so far. The Eels are at the opposite end of the spectrum after suffering two heavy defeats in the opening rounds, however motivation won’t be hard to find against their most hated rivals.

In commentary exclusively for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the best in the business. Hosted by James Bracey and Danika Mason, the expert commentary line up for 2025 features rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns and fellow premiership winners Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Phil Gould, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer, Millie Elliott and Sam Thaiday. Plus women’s internationals Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, sideline reporters Marlee Silva and Emma Lawrence, with Lawrence to also host the Sunday Footy Show.

This unrivalled lineup of commentators, boasting 52 Grand Final appearances as players and coaches combined, will provide viewers with insight and analysis all the way through the 2025 season with exclusive access into the dressing sheds after the game. 

Calling the live action will be Mat Thompson, Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: NRL ROUND 3 ON NINE

Thursday, March 20 

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – STORM v PANTHERS
Sydney          7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane        6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne     7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide        7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth              4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Friday, March 21

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRONCOS v COWBOYS
Sydney            7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane          6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne       7.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide          7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth               4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Sunday, March 23

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – This Week: Mark Taylor, Casey Dellacqua, Ellie Cole and Nick McArdle.
Special Guest: Peter Bol
Sydney / Brisbane – 10.00am on Channel 9. 
Melbourne / Adelaide / Perth 12.00pm on Channel 9

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and host Emma Lawrence. 
Sydney/Brisbane 11.00am on Channel 9
Melbourne 11.00am / Adelaide 10.30am / Perth 10.00am on 9Gem

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – EELS v BULLDOGS
Sydney          3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane        2.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne     3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide        2.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth             12.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Monday, March 24

100% FOOTY –  9.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now in Sydney/Brisbane, following Married At First Sight.
Phil Gould and Paul Gallen are joined by the most capped Queensland Maroons player of all-time, Cameron Smith to weigh in on the big issues. Host James Bracey will steer the ship, while 9News rugby league reporters Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas bring the latest breaking news each week.

NRL ON NINE DIGITAL THIS WEEK: STREAM FREE ON 9NOW

The Manly Way, Season 2. Final Episode – Stream on 9Now
The final episode of The Manly Way puts a full stop on the pre-season as the team prepares to whip the Cowboys in their NRL season-opener at their home ground ‘The Fortress’ – 4 Pines Park. The build up to Game 1 includes surfing lessons, a season launch, and heartfelt jersey presentations to a couple of new players.

Keep Moving Forward. Final Episode – Stream on 9Now
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui suffered a devastating season ending knee injury nearly 12 months ago at Belmore Oval against the Bulldogs. In the final episode of his recovery journey, he makes his highly anticipated NRL return at the very same location. Capture it all from behind the scenes in Keep Moving Forward on 9Now.

Marlee and Me – Canberra Raiders powerhouse Joe Tapine
From growing up in Wellington, New Zealand to making his mark in the NRL, Tapine’s journey is one of resilience and growth. He opens up about his family, the challenges of moving to Australia, and the harsh lessons he learned along the way. We also chat about his Māori heritage, how the All Stars camp deepened his cultural connection, and how fatherhood has changed his perspective on life and footy.

Six Tackles with Gus – Round 3 
Gus breaks down the round that was – Should Cowboys fans be concerned? And are the Raiders actually the best team in the comp right now?, And in a Six Tackles exclusive, Gus reveals how the best forward in the comp right now, nearly became a Bulldog. Plus, we put a price on the game’s top players in Gus’ auction house, and a preview of Round 3.

Freddy and The Eighth – every Wednesday on Channel 9
Join Danika Mason, Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler for a unique look at the rugby league world and their take on the biggest moments from the past week with plenty of fun aswell. 

NRL ROUND 3 2025
NRL GRAND FINAL REMATCH: STORM V PANTHERS 
FROM THURSDAY MARCH 20 AT 7.30PM AEDT
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Thursday, March 20, 2025