All is in readiness for tonight’s historic Grand Final between Penrith and Souths with both sides shortly heading for Suncorp Stadium.
The Grand Final was officially given the green light this morning after Queensland reported zero new community cases of COVID-19.
The game will go ahead with a 75 per cent capacity at Suncorp.
The crowd is starting to build in Brisbane, while back in Penrith fans have been enjoying pre-game picnics across the city, before settling in to watch tonight’s game from home.
Penrith are chasing their third Premiership tonight, hoping to gain redemption after losing last year’s decider to Melbourne. The Rabbitohs are chasing a 22nd Premiership.
Fans attending the game are reminded that masks are required at all times, including on public transport and in the stadium unless eating or drinking, and to ensure they use the Check In Qld app to check in to all venues on the day. There will be extra buses and trains, and free travel on select public transport services to help get fans to and from the stadium safely and easily.
Grand Final Day entertainment will be headed by home grown Queensland star Kate Miller-Heidke who will sing the National Anthem and lead entertainment with Australian Music Legend Ian Moss. Popular group The Stafford Brothers, DJ, producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet, Aboriginal didgeridoo player William Barton and a 40-piece Orchestra will complete the Grand Final entertainment which will also include a spectacular light show at Suncorp Stadium.
The excitement is building in Brisbane! 👌🏽#NRLGF #pantherpride pic.twitter.com/jK7KJbPdxa
— Penrith Panthers (@PenrithPanthers) October 3, 2021
The NRL will pay tribute to its retiring players in a special pre-match tribute.
“As part of our great Grand Final tradition, we pay tribute to our retiring and departing NRL players, who have provided us with some unforgettable moments and memories,” NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said.
“This is our opportunity to acknowledge those who have done so much for our game over a significant period of time.
“Cameron Smith is the most capped player in the history of our game, led a dynasty of Queensland Origin success and it is fitting he will be acknowledged in front of a Queensland crowd.
“Unfortunately due to the current health environment, we won’t be able to see all of our retirees in the venue, but we will recognise them all during the Grand Final Day and for some, at next year’s Grand Final.”
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.30pm AEDT.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
