The Nine Network will bring rugby league fans a full day of action in the lead-up to the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday – simulcast live, free and in HD on both Channel Nine and GEM.
"This is a great outcome for our fans who watch the game at home this weekend," NRL CEO Dave Smith said.
"They can now enjoy the best picture quality for the biggest game of the year.
"This is another first for our fans - it's the first Grand Final with two Queensland teams and it will be the first ever broadcast in high definition."
The massive Grand Final day begins at 10.00am when Wide World of Sports, hosted by Ken Sutcliffe, presents a special NRL Grand Final preview show, crossing live to ANZ Stadium as game day hots up.
Fans can then roll straight into the season finale of The Sunday Footy Show at 11.00am with pre-game expert analysis from Rugby League's eighth Immortal, Andrew "Joey" Johns, Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Darren Lockyer. Plus Erin Molan will be on deck with all the latest news in the countdown to the big game.
At 1.00pm the live rugby league action kicks off with the Holden Cup Grand Final between Penrith Panthers and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. This will be followed at 3.45pm by the 2015 State Championship Grand Final between the Newcastle Knights and Ipswich Jets.
At 6.30pm, following a final wrap-up by the Nine News team, the Grand Final action will officially get underway with a pre-game concert by Aussie rock legends Cold Chisel and a tribute to the players retiring in 2015.
The voice of rugby league, Ray "Rabbits" Warren, will then lead Nine's NRL commentary team for the 2015 Telstra Premiership Grand Final. Joining him will be seven grand final winners: Peter Sterling, Phil Gould (coach), Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, Gorden Tallis and Wally Lewis, as well as Nine's sport reporters Yvonne Sampson and Cameron Williams.
Sunday, October 4, Grand Final Day timetable:
10.00am Wide World of Sports: NRL Grand Final special
11.00am The Sunday Footy Show: season finale
1.00pm 2015 Holden Cup Grand Final: Penrith Panthers v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (** Channel Nine & GEM)
3.45pm 2015 State Championship Grand Final: Newcastle Knights v Ipswich Jets (** Channel Nine & GEM)
6.30pm NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final: Brisbane Broncos v Nth Queensland Cowboys live from ANZ Stadium (**Channel Nine & GEM)
** Check local guides for times. Times above are AEDT.
** Times/Channels will differ in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne.
