The 2015 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series kicked off in spectacular fashion today with stars of all eight teams coming together to “Light It Up” at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Jake Friend (Sydney Roosters), Justin Hodges (Brisbane Broncos), Gavin Cooper (North Queensland Cowboys), Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Melbourne Storm), James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Greg Inglis (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Ben Creagh (St George Illawarra Dragons) gathered ahead of what shapes as a great Finals Series.
The Telstra Premiership Finals Series begins on Friday night when minor premiers Sydney Roosters host Melbourne Storm in a Qualifying Final at Allianz Stadium.
An all-Queensland clash between Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys shapes as a sellout at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night in the other qualifier.
The two elimination matches feature the Bulldogs against St George Illawarra and the Sharks versus the Rabbitohs.
The NRL marked the beginning of the Finals Series by unveiling a new advertising campaign, again featuring Fall Out Boy’s ‘Light it up’.
NRL Chief Executive Officer Dave Smith said the Finals Series would be a fitting end to a memorable season.
“It’s a great feat simply to make the Finals because our competition, the Telstra Premiership, just gets closer and closer,” Mr Smith said at today’s launch.
“Like last year, we did not know the makeup and placings of the top eight until the very last game of the Premiership. It was that close.
“The best eight teams are through - and the way the competition has been this year we know that anyone can win on their day.”
NRL Telstra Premiership Final Series – Week 1
Qualifying Final: Friday, September 11, 7.55pm, Allianz Stadium
NRL: (1) Sydney Roosters v (4) Melbourne Storm
Holden Cup: (6) Sydney Roosters v (7) NZ Warriors, 5.15pm
Elimination Final: Saturday, September 12, 5.50pm, ANZ Stadium
NRL: (5) Canterbury- Bankstown Bulldogs v (8) St George Illawarra Dragons
Holden Cup: (1) Penrith Panthers v (4) Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, 3.10pm
Qualifying Final: Saturday, September 12, 7.55pm, Suncorp Stadium
NRL: (2) Brisbane Broncos v (3) North Qld Cowboys
Holden Cup: (2) Nth Qld Cowboys v (3) Brisbane Broncos, 5.15pm
Elimination Final: Sunday, September 13, 4.10pm, Allianz Stadium
NRL: (6) Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v (7) South Sydney Rabbitohs
Holden Cup: (5) Wests Tigers v (8) Canberra Raiders, 1.30pm
Finals tickets go on sale to NRL Club Ticketed Members at 10am today and to the general public at 10am tomorrow, September 8.
Fans will be able to attend NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series matches for as little as $15 for members and $20 for the general public. Children will be able to see their teams for just $7.
For more information visit www.nrl.com/tickets.