Find out all the highlights to look out for at the upcoming the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals here.
A much anticipated clash, two of the league’s major Western Sydney clubs, the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers, will meet for the first time ever at the NRL Grand Finals. This event will be the first all-Sydney Grand Finals played at the Accor Stadium since 2014.
The Panthers reign as premiers having been featured in the last three Grand Finals. The Parramatta Eels have a high bar to break after a 36 year premiership drought with their last game won in 1986, coming close in 2001 and 2009 as they lost the Grand Finals then.
Both clubs will have two teams playing on Grand Final Day, which is why stadium events are packed to the brim while the excitement roars and fans sit on the edge of their seats on Sunday.
The event is expected to be massive with a crowd over 80,000 1 the largest Grand Finals crowd since 2019. Parramatta Eels supports will be placed in the Blatchys Blue end of the Accor Stadium at the Northern Stands while Penrith Panthers supporters will be at the South Stands in front of the Great Southern Screen.
The NRLW Telstra Women’s Premiership Grand Finals will feature the Parramatta Eels against the Newcastle Knights. At 1.20pm, the State Championship Grand Final will feature Penrith Panthers against the Brisbane Devils. Both sides will be chasing their first ever NRLW Premiership while the winner of State Championship will be decided when NSW Cup winners, Penrith Panthers take on Queensland Cup winners, North Brisbane.
The great thing about an event this huge is that entertainment doesn’t just stop with footy. With shows and performances lined up from 6.30pm headlined by the likes of Jimmy Barnes, Sheldon Riley, Bliss N Eso, Diesel, and Josh Teskey.
NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Day Schedule
11am – Grand Final Day celebrations kick off at Sydney Olympic Park
1pm – Accor Stadium gates open
1.20pm – State Championship Grand Finals: Brisbane Devils v Penrith Panthers begin
3.55pm – NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership Grand Finals: Newcastle Knights v Parramatta Eels begin
6.30pm – Grand Finals pre-match entertainment starts
7.30pm – 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Sydney: Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels begin
The anticipation
If you follow the NRL season and know a thing or two about the clubs playing, you’ll know that the clash between the Panthers and Eels will bring memories of the Eels 2 to 1 record over Penrith with victories in rounds 9 and 20 at the Minor Premiers.
In the pair’s Qualifying Finals, the Panthers dominated with a 27 to 8 win at BlueBet Stadium.
For the NRLW, the Knights and Eels have a competitive history of close games with Knights taking the most recent victory at 18 to 16 in Round 3 while the Eels claimed a 13 to 12 victory away from home last season.
Weather forecasts for Sunday at Sydney Olympic Park predict a 40% chance of rain with light winds at a max temperature of 19 degrees Celsius.
Needless to say, you won’t want to miss the 2022 NRL Finals.
Where to watch the 2022 NRL Games on Thursday Island
Just because you aren’t at Sydney Olympic Park for the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the game in all of its glory.
Head to the Grand Hotel Thursday Island where you’ll feel as if you’re there with big HD screens surrounding the Public Bar. Be immersed in the action as you sip a cold one while roaring in support for your favourite team.
With snacks and a comprehensive menu filled with popular local delights and classic pub fare made from the freshest ingredients, spending the 2022 NRL Finals Day at the Grand Hotel is a sure fire way to have a great time when on Thursday Island. Make a booking by calling the team at (07) 4069 1557 to avoid disappointment.
