The 2020 season of the NRL has arrived and it promises to be the most exciting yet, with the biggest opening rounds ever.

With the introduction of new rules such as the captain’s challenge, and Nine’s innovations including “crossbar cam”, there’s never been a better time to be an NRL fan.

The Sydney Roosters, 2018 and 2019 champions, are chasing an historic “three-peat” for the first time since the Parramatta Eels were premiers in 1981-82-83. The other 15 clubs will be out to stop that, and one of the Roosters’ main threats is the highly touted Eels, who line up tonight in the season opener against the Bulldogs on Macca’s Thursday Night Footy – a sellout at Bankwest Stadium.

The Eels have bolstered their impressive lineup with big name players Ryan Matterson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard who make their debut tonight. Halfback Mitchell Moses always steps up at his home ground and all eyes will be on him to replicate his past heroics.

While on paper the Bulldogs are the underdogs, their late-season form in 2019 could indicate an upset. Their spearhead will be their scoring stars Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Will Hopate.

VB Friday Night Footy could be the match of the round, if recent history is anything to go by. It’s the battle of Queensland: the new-and-improved Cowboys up against the Brisbane Broncos, a match-up that never ceases to deliver.

The Cowboys will be christening their stunning new home venue, Queensland Country Back Stadium, and looking to superstar Valentine Holmes to shine at fullback in his return from the NFL in the USA. New recruit Esan Marsters will also make his debut at centre.

The Broncos have lost the luckless Jack Bird to another long-term injury, with Jamayne Isaako his replacement at fullback. They too boast new stars in ex-Storm playmaker Brodie Croft and winger Jesse Arthars as coach Anthony Seibold plots a return to their winning ways.

One of the other great modern rivalries writes another chapter on Chemist Warehouse Sunday Footy when the Manly Sea-Eagles take on the Melbourne Storm at Lottoland.

Manly superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic returns after missing much of last season through injury in a tantalising clash with Storm speedster Ryan Papenhuyzen. Captain Daly Cherry-Evans will look to find a way around the rock-hard Storm defence, while the two dangerous Camerons – Smith and Munster – will orchestrate the Melbourne attack.

For the new 2020 NRL draw and kick off times following season suspension, check Wide World of Sports.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12:

• MACCA’S THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – Eels vs Bulldogs, LIVE from Bankwest Stadium at 7.30pm AEDT on Nine.
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Ray Warren, Paul Vautin, Ruan Sims, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, Danika Mason, Billy Slater.

• MACCA’S GOLDEN POINT – LIVE from Bankwest Stadium following Eels vs Bulldogs. It explores the big stories to come from the game and has exclusive behind-the-scenes access to players and coaches on the field and in the sheds.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13:

• VB FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – Cowboys vs Broncos, LIVE from Queensland Country Bank Stadium at 7.30pm AEDT on Nine.
Host and commentators: Erin Molan, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Johnathan Thurston, Danika Mason, Darren Lockyer, Brad Fittler, Mat Thompson.

• FRIDAY NIGHT KNOCK OFF – LIVE from Queensland Country Bank Stadium following Cowboys vs Broncos. It explores the big stories to come from the game and has exclusive behind-the-scenes access to players and coaches on the field and in the sheds.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15:

• SPORTS SUNDAY – Sunday at 10.00am AEDT, LIVE on Nine. This week: host James Bracey is joined by Peter Fitzsimons, Australian netball legend Liz Ellis, former AFL champion Shane Crawford, SMH journalist Georgina Robinson, and more.

• SUNDAY NRL FOOTY SHOW – LIVE from 11.00am AEDT on Nine. Host Erin Molan will cover all the Round 1 action so far with Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler, Sam Thaiday and Nine journalist Jake Duke. Plus a live cross to Billy Slater at Lottoland ahead of Sea Eagles vs Storm.

• SUNDAY FOOTY – Canterbury Cup NSW: Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs, LIVE from Campbelltown Stadium at 1.00pm AEDT on Nine for NSW viewers ONLY.
Hosts and commentators: Jamie Soward, Danika Mason, Matt de Groot.

• SUNDAY FOOTY – Intrust Cup QLD: Burleigh Bears vs Wynnum Manly Seagulls, LIVE from Pizzey Park at 12.00pm AEDT Nine for QLD viewers ONLY.
Hosts and commentators: Peter Psaltis, Scott Sattler, Adam Jackson.

• CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY FOOTY – Sea Eagles vs Storm, LIVE from Lottoland at 3.00pm AEDT on Nine.
Host and commentators: James Bracey, Peter Sterling, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, Allana Ferguson, Billy Slater, Mat Thompson.

MONDAY, MARCH 16:

• 100% FOOTY – 10.00pm AEDT on Nine. 100% Footy is the home of the strongest opinions in rugby league from the people who count. Phil Gould returns with Paul Gallen, alongside Darren Lockyer, journalist Neil Breen and host James Bracey.

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS RADIO ON 2GB & 4BC:

• The WWOS TV brand that sports fans love has its very own radio show. From 6.00pm-7.00pm AEDT Monday to Thursday, host Mark Levy chats with the biggest names in the world of Australian sport, including weekly guests:

o Mondays: Billy Slater
o Tuesdays: Paul Gallen
o Wednesdays: Brad Fittler
o Thursdays: Ken Sutcliffe

PODCAST – SIX TACKLES WITH GUS

• James Bracey discusses the biggest issues of the week with rugby league legend and expert commentator Phil Gould on Six Tackles with Gus.

This week:
o Who have Bracey and Gould tipped for the season opener?
o What are the possible effects of coronavirus on the game and players?
o What does Gus think of the NRL’s vision for the sport?

For further information please contact Nine Publicity:
Jason Evans
E jaevans@nine.com.au

Thursday, March 12, 2020