Grand final could be 'once-in-a-lifetime' option for Queensland fans: Jones

ARL Commissioner Kate Jones said the possibility for Suncorp Stadium to potentially host the 2021 Telstra Premiership grand final would be a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity for Queensland.

After joining the eight participating NRL captains at the Brisbane venue on Monday morning to officially launch this year's Telstra Premiership finals series, she indicated an announcement on the grand final venue was expected later this week.

Jones said the ARL Commission was working with the NSW and Queensland governments about where the game would be played. 

"We've got to acknowledge the NSW government legitimately has rights in regards to the grand final so we're working through it," she said.

"Both governments are committed to getting a good outcome for footy fans across the country.

"I've been on the record for a very long time since we opened Suncorp Stadium saying this is the best rugby league stadium in the country. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a grand final here in Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

"It's something we have been asking for years, it'd be amazing to see that come to fruition.

"We are continuing to work with the Queensland government and NSW government and we're hoping we can announce the location of the grand final by the end of the week.

"We've got to acknowledge the NSW government legitimately has rights in regards to the grand final so we're working through it."

The opening week of the finals series will be played in regional Queensland, starting on Friday with Townsville, Sunshine Coast and Rockhampton to host matches across the weekend.

Jones said the flexibility provided couldn't happen without the support of the Queensland government while adding player, family and fan sacrifice had helped the season flourish under difficult circumstances.

"I really want to acknowledge all our fans in the southern states who won't be able to see their teams in their own home grounds but here in Queensland," Jones said.

"We work so hard with our players across the code and people on and off the field to ensure that not only we completed our season this year but also have the footy finals here in Queensland.

"For regional Queensland, we are rewarding our fans. We will look to be playing other finals games in regional communities across Queensland."

Premiers Melbourne are among the finals teams who packed their bags twice this season to relocate to Queensland.

Storm co-captain Dale Finucane, who will finish with the club to join Cronulla next season, said whoever took out the title this year had overcome unprecedented hurdles.

"I think given what's happened this year and the uncertainty it would be something really special to achieve," Finucane said. 

"We relocated to the Sunshine Coast last year, had another seven-week period this year and then are now here indefinitely.

"As a club we've just had the ability to adapt and hopefully we can continue to do that for as long as the season takes us.

"All the eight teams who remain in the competition at the moment are real genuine contenders to win it."

Meanwhile, Jones said further clarity on the NRL's 17th expansion bid for 2023 would be made following the grand final.

Jones dismissed concerns surrounding the Titans' future should a new team from Brisbane or surrounding areas be formed.

"We want to make sure given the long road they've been on we continue to support them in their growth," she said.

"We've seen the potential of the Titans and want to see them thrive but there's been significant growth in Queensland, new suburbs created and it'll continue in the next 10 years.

"We don't want to see AFL getting a strong foothold into areas we'd consider rugby league heartland."

Don't Blink or you'll miss a moment of the NRL finals - tickets are on sale now at NRL Tickets