NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, today unveiled the most exciting array of Telstra Premiership Grand Final Week celebrations in the game’s history as he joined with NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and players from the eight Telstra Premiership Finals Series teams for the traditional Finals Captains photo at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Ahead of an exciting first round of Finals matches in Sydney and the Gold Coast this weekend, today’s traditional ‘Captains’ Call’ marks the one and only occasion that players from the eight Finals teams gather together before the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final on October 3.
As the game celebrates a record-breaking season of attendances, Mr Gallop today showcased a week-long festival that will lead into the 2010 Telstra Premiership Grand Final and celebrate Rugby League’s connection with its members and fans.
For the first time, the One Community Awards - an inspiring night that honours the game’s off-field heroes from around Australia and New Zealand - will kick-off Telstra Premiership Grand Final Week with a gala ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall on Monday, September 27.
The pride and passion of Rugby League’s supporters will be celebrated with a Super Thursday Telstra Premiership Grand Final Fan Party at the Sydney Opera House, an inaugural NRL Club Members Party and street barbecues in the heartlands of the Telstra Premiership Grand Final teams.
There will also be the time-honoured traditions such at the Telstra Premiership Grand Final Breakfast, Men of League Ball and Carbine Club luncheon that will mark the biggest week of Telstra Premiership Grand Final activities the game has ever seen.
“It’s fitting that we launch the most exciting week of the season with the One Community Awards, an event that celebrates the connection Rugby League has with the community,” Mr Gallop said today.
“These events will add a new dimension to the Grand Final and it will only grow in the years to come.
“There’s something for everyone and a great opportunity for fans across Sydney and visitors to the city to be part of the Grand Final celebrations.
“I would like to thank the NSW Government and Events NSW for their support in establishing this festival of activities that will become an important part of the game’s Grand Final tradition.”
The 2010 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Week Celebrations include:
Monday, Sep 27: One Community Awards, Town Hall
Hosted for the first time in Telstra Premiership Grand Final Week, the fourth annual one Community Awards is one of the game’s most inspiring nights of the year and honours the off-field heroes – the mums and dads, volunteers, coaches, development officers and officials – who dedicate themselves to helping others enjoy the game.
It also features the presentation of the coveted Telstra Ken Stephen Medal, awarded to the NRL player who has demonstrated ongoing and exceptional service to the game both on and off the field.
Tuesday, Sep 28: Men of League Ball, Star City
The Men of League Ball honours past and present players and is a major fundraising event for the Men of League Foundation. Each year the Ball celebrates a theme and in 2010 they will celebrate ‘The Entertainers’. NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, will also present the new inductees into the ‘300 Club’ with their prestigious ‘300 Club’ rings.
Wednesday, Sep 29: Inaugural Members Grand Final Party, Star City
For the first time the NRL will acknowledge the support of its Ticketed Club Members by throwing an exclusive ‘Club Members Party’ involving club officials, Rugby League legends and current NRL stars.
Thursday, Sep 30: Grand Final Breakfast, Sydney Convention Centre
The Telstra Premiership Grand Final Breakfast is an event steeped in tradition. The breakfast will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and is attended by the two Grand Final teams, club officials, NRL guests, sponsor and commercial partners and media.
Carbine Club NRL Grand Final Lunch, Westin Hotel
The Carbine Club NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Lunch is a corporate sales event which celebrates Rugby League. Hosted by Ray Warren, it also honours the game’s retiring or departing stars.
Memorable Moments, Harbour Bridge Pylons
The Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons will project 20 great Grand Final and 2010 Telstra Premiership season images from Thursday to Sunday of the Telstra Premiership Grand Final Week.
Super Thursday Telstra Premiership Grand Final Fan Party,
Sydney Opera House Forecourt
A day of family and Rugby League-based interactive activities and entertainment will culminate in a live broadcast of The Footy Show and will include an appearance by both Telstra Premiership Grand Final teams, autograph sessions with past and current players, junior coaching clinics, cheerleader performances and participation clinics, club mascot appearances, street theatre, entertainment and Rugby League One Community activities.
Tickets cost just $5 and will go on sale shortly from the Sydney Opera House ticket office. Please note, due to venue capacity, only 5,000 tickets are available for sale.
Saturday, October 2: Grand Final Street BBQs
Street BBQ parties will be held in key locations of each Telstra Premiership Grand Final team. These events will be family orientated and encourage local celebration and excitement around their team’s Telstra Premiership Grand Final participation.
Every fan that has an NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final ticket will also be able to receive free entry to Epsom Day races at Royal Randwick.
Sunday, October 3: NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final, ANZ Stadium