{"id":912319,"date":"2026-10-01T14:20:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T14:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/912319\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T14:20:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T14:20:14","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-nrl-grand-final-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/912319\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know ahead of NRL grand final weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

A week on from the dramatic AFL grand final, all eyes switch to rugby league this weekend as the curtain closes on another NRL season.<\/p>\n

Both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s premiership seasons draw to a close on Sunday with a bumper day of action at Accor Stadium in Sydney<\/p>\n

Sydney Roosters take on Newcastle Knights in the men\u2019s NRL grand final, while Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos clash in the women\u2019s match.<\/p>\n

As the teams prepare to begin battle, here is all you need to know ahead of grand final day on Sunday.<\/p>\n

The game<\/p>\n

The NRL Telstra Premiership grand final is an all NSW affair, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm AEDT.<\/p>\n

The Roosters booked themselves a place in the grand final with a 36-20 romp over the Dolphins, while the Knights produced one of the most courageous performances of the year to knock out the Panthers 22-14 despite playing more than half the game with 12 men.<\/p>\n

The pre-game will begin at 7pm.<\/p>\n

The NRLW grand final will have already taken place by this point, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm.<\/p>\n

The Roosters women clinched their final place with a 20-10 win over Canberra Raiders, while the Broncos defeated the Gold Coast Titans 20-8.<\/p>\n

The entertainment<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s planned entertainment was thrown into disarray after headline act Toni Watson, who performs as Tones and I, pulled out of her scheduled performance.<\/p>\n

There have been conflicting reports over why this happened, with the singer\u2019s management publicly blaming it on a scheduling conflict.<\/p>\n

However, other reports have claimed it was sparked by a row over whether she would play 2019 single Dance Monkey. <\/p>\n

Full details of replacement entertainment are yet to be revealed; however, an emotional aspect has been reported.<\/p>\n

According to reports in The Australian, the event will feature a touching tribute to NRL star Jai Arrow, who was recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease.<\/p>\n

The former South Sydney, Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans forward will reportedly complete a lap of honour as a group of mystery Aussie singers perform You\u2019ll Never Walk Alone.<\/p>\n

While all eyes will be squarely on Sunday\u2019s matches, the spectacle will span across the weekend, with plenty of build-up and family fun also planned.<\/p>\n

Thursday and Friday, a Fan Fest will take over Martin Place in Sydney as the atmosphere builds.<\/p>\n

Set across the two days, the event will feature player appearances, giveaways and photo opportunities as rugby league fever takes hold of the city.<\/p>\n

Saturday will feature a Beach Footy Festival from 8am until 2pm on Bondi Beach, which promises to deliver a full day of touch footy, music and fan experiences.<\/p>\n

Once the big day arrives on Sunday, ticketholders will be able to access the stadium from 1pm, with the NRL State Championship grand final between the Penrith Panthers and Redcliffe Dolphins kicking off proceedings at 1.20pm.<\/p>\n

With daylight saving time coming into effect as Saturday turns into Sunday, fans will need to be mindful not to show up late, as the clocks spring forward.<\/p>\n

Broadcasts<\/p>\n

With ticket allocation fully exhausted already, those not heading to the stadium will have to make do with watching the action on television or listening on the radio.<\/p>\n

Channel 9 has the exclusive broadcasting rights to the day\u2019s festivities and will be providing 12 hours of live, on-site coverage from Accor Stadium.<\/p>\n

Weekend Today will be broadcasting live from the stadium from 7am before a special preview panel at 10am from the Wide World of Sports team, featuring Sam Thaiday and Cameron Smith.<\/p>\n

At 11am, the channel will broadcast the Sunday Footy Show, with Joey Johns, Billy Slater and Brad Fittler.<\/p>\n

Each of the day\u2019s three matches will then be broadcast live, kicking off at 1.20pm, 3pm and 7.30pm respectively.<\/p>\n

Radio coverage is via ABC, Triple M Brisbane, Triple M Sydney, 2GB, 4BC and NRL Nation.<\/p>\n

Weather<\/p>\n

While last week\u2019s AFL grand final turned out to be a soggy affair, forecasters expect rain to stay away on match day in Sydney.<\/p>\n

Downpours are expected on Friday and Saturday as anticipation builds; however, the experts at the Bureau of Meteorologists anticipate a clear day on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Current forecasts expect the day to remain clear and mostly sunny, with temperatures between 15 and 24C. It is rated an 80 per cent chance the rain will stay away.<\/p>\n

Public transport<\/p>\n

Matchday ticket holders on Sunday will be granted free use of Sydney\u2019s public transport, including rail and bus systems.<\/p>\n

With about 80,000 fans due to be in attendance, stadium organisers are urging people not to drive to the venue and make the most of public transport links.<\/p>\n

Throughout the day, hundreds of additional train and bus services have been added to schedules serving the Olympic Park station.<\/p>\n

Among the additional services will be express and limited-stop services to Olympic Park on the Central and Western Lines that will continue until late.<\/p>\n

There will also be additional services running every half-hour between Newcastle and Sydney.<\/p>\n

The last bus service will leave Olympic Park at 11pm.<\/p>\n

Fans who are planning to drive are encouraged to park at a nearby commuter station and complete their journey by rail.<\/p>\n

Originally published as Everything you need to know ahead of the NRL grand final weekend<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A week on from the dramatic AFL grand final, all eyes switch to rugby league this weekend 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