It’s a big weekend for football fans with the start of the final elimination rounds in both the NRL and the AFL.

Loyal fans, including Cowboys supporters, are preparing to back their teams tonight, in what promise to be some blockbuster matches.

Jessica Bell reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Roosters and Cowboys face-off tonight at Sydney’s Allianz stadium in the first of the NRL sudden death semi-finals.

Wendell Sailor, NRL Commentator: “The Roosters are going to be tough to beat but it’s elimination now. They could be the first team to go out in straight sets for a long time because the Cowboys, they’re playing some really confident footy.”

If Sydney lose tonight it will be the last game in the NRL for Rooster’s star Sonny Bill Williams who is heading back to play rugby for the All Blacks.

In tomorrow night’s finals, Manly will face the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium.

Manly is confident ahead of the Canterbury clash.

Jamie Lyon, Sea Eagles Captain: “You’ve got to play good footy it’s as simple as that, if you don’t your out the back door. We’ve got to improve a hell of a lot from last week that’s for sure.”

In the AFL, The Sydney Swans face the North Melbourne Kangaroos in the preliminary final at sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

The Kangaroos have made one change with Jamie MacMillan going out with a hamstring injury, to make way for Ben Jacobs.

And in tomorrow night’s preliminary final at the MCG, Port Adelaide will face off against Hawthorn.

Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson has defended his decision to drop veteran Brad Sewell.

The decision makes way for Matt Suckling who’s returning from a knee injury.

Alastair Clarkson, Hawks Coach: “He’s a very decorated and respected player of our footy club and tough decisions have to be made.”

Hawk’s star midfielder Cyril Rioli is still out of action with a hamstring injury.

Jessica Bell, QUT News.