Whether you’re heading to the ground, watching at home or stuck at work, we’ve got your Grand Final Day planning covered…
Schedule of events
Gates at ANZ Stadium will open at 3.15pm. The NRLW Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos kicks off at 4.05pm, with a presentation to follow. There will be a tribute to retiring players before the NRL Grand Final as well as the presentation of the Ken Stephen Medal. Amy Shark will headline the pre-match entertainment. The NRL Grand Final is scheduled to commence at 7.30pm.
Getting tickets
A limited number of NRL Grand Final tickets are still available from Ticketek, or head to www.nrl.com/tickets.
Getting to the ground
The main car park at ANZ Stadium, P1, is already sold out, but parking is available in other car parks. Those driving need to pre-book parking and can do so via the Sydney Olympic Park website. If you’re catching a train, express services from Penrith to Sydney Olympic Park will leave regularly from around 2pm, with return services running from full-time until late.
Food and beverage
A number of restaurants and bars will be open around ANZ Stadium on game day. Bookings are recommended where possible. Food outlets and bars will also be open inside ANZ Stadium on levels 1, 4 and 6.
COVID-safe protocols
ANZ Stadium is currently a cashless venue, which means you’ll need to pay for items like food, drinks and merchandise using a card. Masks should be worn when you’re not in your seat, and alcohol can only be consumed while seated. Fans are advised to follow all directions from staff in relation to specific COVID protocols.
Television coverage
Channel Nine are the exclusive rights holders to the Grand Final. Nine will kick off its Grand Final Day coverage at 10am with ‘The Greatest: NRL Grand Finals’, followed by ‘Sports Sunday’ and ‘The Sunday Footy Show’. They’ll show the NRLW Grand Final, then break for news at 6pm before returning will full coverage from the ground and then the match broadcast, spearheaded by Ray Warren. Fox League will air a replay of the Grand Final with their own commentary team from 10pm. Warren Smith, Braith Anasta and Michael Ennis will call the game.
Radio coverage
2GB’s Continuous Call Team will be on air from 1pm, with Ray Hadley to call the Panthers v Storm decider at 7.30pm. Andrew Moore will call the game for ABC 702 while Triple M will also have a live broadcast of the match, with coverage commencing at 1pm.
Online coverage
You can watch the game live online in Australia using 9NOW. Live score updates are available through www.nrl.com. The Western Weekender will provide score updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Merchandise
The Panthers released a special Grand Final t-shirt, which has now sold out. Other merchandise is available at the Panthers Shop at Panthers Leagues Club, or online at www.penrithpanthers.com.au. Merchandise will also be available for sale at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
Betting odds
Betting agencies have Melbourne as favourites to win the Grand Final. Sportsbet earlier this week posted Melbourne as $1.75 favourites with Penrith at $2.15. “Before the Preliminary Finals punters were evenly divided between Penrith and Melbourne. Then the Storm did a demolition job on Canberra and they are now all the rage,’’ said Sportsbet’s Rich Hummerston. Those wanting to have a bet on the game can do so at their local TAB agency or online through TAB, Sportsbet, Ladbrokes or any other online licenced betting site. TAB facilities will also be available at ANZ Stadium.
Print Coverage
The Weekender will release a special commemorative edition tomorrow, previewing the big game. We will also produce a special edition of Extra Time next week.
