Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has welcomed the NRL’s announcement that week one Finals matches will again be played at suburban venues.
The NRL’s decision means that Panthers Stadium could again host Finals if Penrith qualify for a home final.
In the last three years Penrith have been forced to play home finals at either Allianz Stadium or ANZ Stadium, robbing them of significant home ground advantage.
“This is an extremely positive result for our Club, particularly our fans but also for the game,” Mr Fletcher said.
The changes will be in effect for the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series and will continue during the period of the redevelopment of the Sydney stadia network.
“There was strong support for these changes amongst the CEOs,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
“There was an opportunity to change the way we think about the Finals Series venues with Allianz Stadium not available and further challenges ahead with the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium.
“Clearly Bankwest Stadium will be a great option for us for the Finals Series this year but it will also be wonderful to see the potential for our marquee finals matches to return to suburban settings.”
