Everything you need to know: Grand final crowd capped

The historic NRL Telstra Premiership grand final at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium has been capped at a 75% crowd due to COVID-19 concerns in Queensland.

The final release of grand final tickets went on sale to the public at 4pm on Monday and were quickly snapped up for the Panthers-Rabbitohs showdown.

However, the Queensland government announced on Thursday that crowd capacity needed to be reduced and Ticketek will automatically refund tickets to the final 25% of fans who purchased seats in each grand final selling allocation. 

• The NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final will be played in front of a capped crowd of 39,000 at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night after Queensland Public Health Orders reduced capacity to 75%
• The NRL & Ticketek will automatically refund tickets to the final 25% of fans who purchased seats in each Grand Final selling allocation and will be contacted as soon as possible
• The NRL understand that these changes to the schedule will impact many but hope the community will understand that the decision is out of our hands
• All patrons who do attend will also be required to wear a mask at all times, including when seated
• For anyone wishing to request a refund, please submit a request here

On Sunday, Queensland's chief health officer Jeanette Young said there had been no news cases in the previous 24 hours and the grand final would go ahead.

Young said it was "astounding that we haven’t seen community seeding".

On Saturday Queensland health minister Yvette D'Ath announced there was no new community transmission of COVID-19 in the state, with two additional cases already in home quarantine.

Ms D'Ath said that although a day was "a long time in COVID" the signs were good that the grand final would go ahead with 75% capacity.

There will be pop-up vaccination clinics around Suncorp Stadium for Sunday's grand final.

This will be the first time the title decider is held outside of Sydney in the competition's 114th season.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Sydney, the ARL Commission has reached an agreement with the Queensland Government to host the finals series after the NSW Government confirmed it would not be able to host the grand final because of the pandemic.

The 2021 NRL grand final will be held on Sunday, October 3, kicking off at 6.30pm local time (7.30pm AEDT).

ARL chairman Peter V'landys said Queensland fans had long campaigned for a grand final and the Commission was delighted to reward that loyalty.

"This year we will create history, playing the grand final in Brisbane for the very first time," he said.

"This will be an historic moment for the city and a reward for the support the Queensland community has given us throughout 2021. This year will always be remembered as the year Queensland hosted all of our major events; All Stars, Magic Round, three State of Origins and the grand final."

For all information about the event, read on.

Heading to the game

Stadium information

Measures have been developed to ensure the safety of you and others while attending Suncorp Stadium. These measures have been approved by Queensland Health but will only be effective, if everyone buys-in. We’re asking for your support on the following:

• Patrons must wear a mask at all times, including when seated. Patrons must be seated to eat and drink. Masks can be removed when eating or drinking.
• Remain within your allocated zone to minimise circulation
• To avoid congestion, please plan to arrive early and follow staff directives when exiting the Stadium.
• Maintain social distancing where possible on entry and exit, or when moving around the Stadium.
• Only use the seat that has been designated to you.
• Be aware that cashless payments only will be in use for food and beverage and merchandise
• Practice high-level hand-hygiene using the sanitiser stations installed in the Stadium.
• Be aware there may be patrons occupying the seats directly next to, behind and in front of you during the event.
• Stay home if you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19
• Stay home if in the 14 days prior to the event, you have been overseas or to a COVID-19 Hotspot or if you have been in contact with someone who has been overseas or to a COVID-19 Hotspot. COVID-19 Hotspots Information.

By attending Suncorp Stadium you acknowledge your role in helping to successfully carry out the COVID-19 Safety Plan. By playing your part, you will help ensure we all enjoy a comfortable and safe experience at Suncorp Stadium and continue to see the benefits of fans returning to live events.

Game day key times

12pm local AEST time (1pm AEDT): Gates open
12.15pm: Intrust Super Cup preliminary final
2.45pm: Intrust Super Cup preliminary final
4.30pm: Retiring players farewell
5.30pm: Pre-game entertainment
6.30pm (7.30pm AEDT): Panthers v Rabbitohs grand final

Fan activities

NRL partners are delivering everything from food, face painting and the chance to meet some of your favourite players at this year’s fan fest. There’s something for all the family including:

Ampol Mini Petrol Station: Get your photo with the Ampol State of Origin Shield, plus get your face painted in team colours

Youi pass the ball: Show your best flick pass

Harvey Norman outdoor competition: Scan your details to win the ultimate backyard set up for summer

DoorDash 'Dash Lounge': Try your luck at the Spiral Pass challenge or snap a photo with the official GF match ball to win Grand Final tickets and other prizes!

Telstra Huddle: Get among the action and take a photo with players and the NRL Telstra Premiership trophy

CUB Precinct Bar: A double decker bar in precinct. Enjoy some of your favourite brews before the game.

KFC Surprise & Delight: Get to the game early, with KFC giving away $2500 in Kentucky Fried GOLD to a lucky fan in the stand prior to kick-off.

Chemist Warehouse chill out zone: Get your gift bags with everything you need for the game with sunscreen, water and more.

There will also be: 

• Merchandise sales
• Giveaways
• An array of local musical entertainment featured on the main stage
• NRL Ball Guess competition
• Roaming performers
• NRL Spin & Win
• And much more!

Tuning in from home

Broadcast information

Sunday, October 3 – Panthers vs. Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium 6.30pm AEST (7.30pm AEDT)

• Nine (Nationally)
• Sky Sport 4 (New Zealand)
• 9Now
• Radio: ABC, Triple M, 2GB, 4BC, NRL Nation

(or via the Match Centre in NRL App or NRL.COM)

International Coverage:

• WatchNRL: Not available in Australia, New Zealand or Pacific Regions
• TVWAN Action (Papua New Guinea)
• Fox US
• Sky UK
• Cook Islands
• Digital Tonga
• Fiji Broadcast
• Rogers Canada
• Fox Netherlands
• ESPN Africa
• BeIN Sports (France)
• Fox Sports Asia
• Sport24 (Worldwide In-Flight/In-Ship – excl Australia, New Zealand or Pacific Regions)

Engage via social

Follow @nrl on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest need-to-know Finals information.

How does the finals format work?

The teams that finished in the top eight positions on the Telstra Premiership ladder after 25 rounds will play out the finals series, as follows.

If you want to explore all possibilities over the coming month, use the NRL Ladder Predictor.

Week 1

Qualifying finals: 1st v 4th; 2nd v 3rd

Elimination finals: 5th v 8th; 6th v 7th

Week 2

Semi-finals: Loser of first qualifying final v winner of first elimination final; loser of second qualifying final v winner of second elimination final

Week 3

Preliminary finals: Winner of first qualifying final v winner of second semi-final; Winner of second qualifying final v winner of first semi-final

Week 4

Grand final: Winner of first preliminary final v winner of second preliminary final