This year’s NRL grand final will be a fun ride for the fans — literally

THE NRL will host a fan day in the lead-up to the grand final this year at Sydney’s Luna Park, with free rides to those lucky fans who come along.

Macklemore will perform at the NRL grand final this year. Picture: Glenn Hunt/Getty Images

RUGBY league fans, it’s almost time to go wild — Wild Mouse, that is.

The lead-up to this year’s grand final will serve up an extra dose of fun as Luna Park’s Coney Island, Devil’s Drop, Dodgem City and the ferris wheel open for free to NRL fans as part of a massive week of celebrations.

Last year saw the NRL Fan Day held on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House but this year it will go to another level at Luna Park.

US artist Macklemore will star at this year’s grand final day entertainment.

The NRL will offer registered fans unlimited rides on Thursday, September 28, just three days from this year’s premiership decider at ANZ Stadium on October 1.

Both teams involved in this year’s grand final will feature under the Big Top at Luna Park on the fan day.

The festivities will also feature a mascot parade, NRL skills and drills and giveaways.

“Our fan days in recent years have been incredibly successful,’’ NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo said.

“But this year’s NRL Fan Fest at Luna Park will be something really special.

“Not only will our fans be able to get up close with our grand final stars, they will also be able to enjoy the best of one of Sydney’s most iconic tourist attractions.

“Not only that, the entire park will be transformed into a celebration of the most important game of the NRL season.

The Sharks took out last year’s grand final and are in the hunt again. Picture: Getty Images

“It will be an incredible day out for the whole family.

“There will be a limited number of free registrations available so it’s important our fans get in early to avoid disappointment on the day.”

The NRL announced on Friday that US artist Macklemore, best known for his huge hit Can’t Hold Us, will headline the grand final day pre-game show.

Confirmation of his appearance has already paid dividends, with ticket sales since the announcement tripling on their daily rates compared to the previous week.

Some 45,000 tickets have already been sold for the decider with close to 14,000 held back by the NRL until the weekend prior to the grand final.

Jessica Mauboy and Keith Urban during the 2016 pre game grand final show. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“It’ll be the one of the largest crowds I’ve performed for thus far and my only show in Australia this year,’’ Macklemore said.

“I’m humbled to have the opportunity to reach such a large, enthusiastic NRL audience.’’

In a clear indication of the excitement building in Sydney’s west, desperate Parramatta fans have purchased the largest share of grand final tickets at this stage.

Chasing their first premiership win since 1986, Eels fans have secured 16 per cent of grand final day sales since June.

Supporters of the premiership-favourites have bought 15 per cent ahead of Broncos fans (13 per cent), followed by Sydney Roosters (10 per cent) and Cronulla Sharks fans (9 per cent).

Week one of the NRL finals series kicks-off on Friday night.