Here’s all the ins and outs of Grand Final Day on Sunday…
Match Day Schedule
1.00pm Gates Open
1.20pm NRL State Championship Grand Final Kick Off
3.20pm NRLW Grand Final Pre-Game Show
3.55pm NRLW Telstra Women’s Premiership Grand Final Kick Off
6.30pm NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Show
7.30pm NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Kick Off
Getting To The Game
The best way to get to the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium is via public transport.
Free train travel is included in all Grand Final tickets. Express and limited-stop trains to Olympic Park will run regularly from Central and Western Line stations to get you to the game, with frequent return services running after the match to get you home. From Olympic Park station, the stadium is a short 10-minute walk away.
Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses will run on all nine routes to Olympic Park frequently from around 11.35am, depending on the route. Return services will run after full-time to get you home.
If you have to drive, you’ll need to pre-book parking ahead of time to secure a space as car parks in the precinct will fill quickly. Pre-book online at Sydney Olympic Park’s website, available until 11.59pm the night before the event. Alternatively, consider parking at a nearby station commuter car park and continuing your trip by train to Olympic Park.
Big Games All Day
The NRLW Grand Final will see the Newcastle Knights battle the Parramatta Eels.
The Knights qualified for the season decider with a 30-6 win over St George-Illawarra last Sunday, while the Eels upset the Roosters 24-10.
The NRL’s State Championship game will see the Penrith Panthers take on the Norths Devils.
The match sees the winner of the NSW Cup Grand Final play the winner of the QLD Cup Grand Final.
The Coverage
The Nine Network’s coverage of Grand Final Day will begin at 10am with a special edition of ‘Sports Sunday’ followed by ‘The Sunday Footy Show’ hosted by Danika Mason. They’ll then broadcast the NRL State Championship match, the NRLW Grand Final and the NRL Grand Final.
Nine has exclusive rights to broadcast the NRL Grand Final, but Fox League will still present Grand Final Day coverage.
Live coverage anchored by Lara Pitt will begin at 1pm. Fox will broadcast the NRL State Championship match, the NRLW Grand Final and offer pre and post match analysis of the NRL Grand Final.
On radio, 2GB will present a five-hour Grand Final preview on Saturday from 1pm. They’ll be on air from Sunday at 1pm and will call all three Grand Finals.
The game will also be broadcast on ABC 702, Triple M and SEN.
The Betting
The TAB as well as all the major corporate bookmakers have plenty of markets available for the NRL Grand Final on Sunday.
The TAB has Penrith as $1.38 favourites, with Parramatta outsiders at $3.10.
Nathan Cleary is the favourite for the Clive Churchill Medal at $2.75, with Dylan Edwards at $8.00, Isaah Yeo at $9.00 and Mitchell Moses at $10.00.
Penrith winger Brian To’o is favourite to score the first try.
The Entertainment
The NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Show will be headlined by the heart and soul of Australian rock and roll, Jimmy Barnes, with friends including ARIA-winning singer-songwriters, the mighty Diesel and special guest Josh Teskey, alongside award-winning Indigenous singer-songwriter Emma Donovan.
Break-out Eurovision 2022 star Sheldon Riley will bring his spectacular style to Accor Stadium with a cinematic and unique performance.
Australian hip-hop legends Bliss n Eso (featuring JOY.) will perform their hit, ‘Moments’, paying tribute to the game’s retiring players.
Jimmy Barnes said: “Grand Final Day is a chance for us to all come together and celebrate with the best of the best. I can’t wait to perform with an exciting all-Australian Pre-Game Show line up in front of a full house again.”
There will be a separate pre-game show for the NRLW Grand Final.
The Anthem
Musical theatre star Alinta Chidzey will perform the National Anthem at Sunday’s Grand Final.
She’s currently appearing in ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.
“What an honour it is to sing the National Anthem before one of the most exciting games in Australian sport,” she said.
“Just before the Grand Final game kicks off is so electrifying as it’s when all the nerves and excitement are at a peak. The whole stadium comes together, united in anticipation, before it all begins.”
Tickets
All tickets to the Grand Final are sold out.
The Venue
Accor Stadium is a cashless venue – with tap and go the only way to purchase items.
Bag sizes are limited to 30cm x 40cm (including eskis).
Watch the game at Panthers
Entry to Panthers Leagues Club on Sunday, October 2 will be for Leagues Club members only due to the huge crowds expected throughout the day and into the night.
Panthers will host a ticketed event in The Backyard with all the action on massive outdoor screens, along with plenty of activities for the kids.
Tickets are $20 and include a complimentary drink. Doors open at 1pm. Buy tickets from the Panthers Leagues Club website or the club directly.
Panthers is also hosting a Grand Final Brunch with Mark Geyer and Craig Gower among the guests. The event will be held in the EVAN Theatre from 11am. Buy tickets from the Panthers Leagues Club website or the club directly.
Penrith City Council is also hosting a live site in St Marys.
Weekender Newsroom
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