Boost for clubs, fans as NRL finals return to suburban grounds

Finals are set to return to Sydney’s suburban grounds this season in a massive boost for four clubs, while there’s also good news for the Knights, Raiders and Cowboys.

Dragons fans show their support at Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah. Picture: Getty Images

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NRL finals are returning to Sydney’s suburban grounds this season in a massive boost for the Manly Sea Eagles, Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons.

With Allianz Stadium unavailable for the next three years, NRL boss Todd Greenberg told the chief executive’s conference in Brisbane today that Brookvale, Shark Park, Panthers Stadium and Kogarah Oval or WIN Stadium in Wollongong could host week-one finals matches.

The NRL has also revealed regional clubs in Newcastle, Canberra and Townsville will get grand final qualifiers if their teams earn the right to host preliminary finals.

Suburban grounds were abandoned for finals football more than a decade ago to accommodate bigger crowds at the stadiums.

It ended up being a bad look for the game with fans rejecting Allianz and ANZ Stadiums, leaving the TV networks with a huge backdrop of empty seats.

The suburban grounds were scrapped when a St George-Illawarra v Parramatta play-off sold out on a Thursday and thousands of fans were locked out.

Greenberg said: “There was an opportunity to change the way we think about the finals venues with Allianz Stadium not available and further challenges ahead with the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium.

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“Clearly Bankwest Stadium will be a great option for us this year but it will also be wonderful to see the potential for our week one finals matches to return to suburban settings.

“This will be in place for the 2019 finals series. Once we have the full Sydney stadia network back online we will reassess again.”

Manly Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler said it was a huge victory for the fans of Sydney clubs.

“At this stage no-one can look that far ahead but if it was to happen I know everyone on the peninsula would love to be there,” Hasler said.

“The whole concept is rewarding fans and members that follow the teams all year. And I know the players will love it.”

Des Hasler says Manly fans would be thrilled with a home final. Picture: Getty Images

No-one is happier than NRL broadcasters Fox Sports and Channel Nine.

“Viewers love seeing a full house or as close to as possible on TV,” said Fox Sports head of television Steve Crawley.

“You feel like you’re watching something special.

“There’s nothing better than big stadiums when they are full on Boxing Day or State of Origin and finals but there’s a time and place.”

Originally published as Boost for clubs, fans as NRL finals return to suburban grounds