NRL 2021: Melbourne Storm preliminary final kick-off time moved to avoid AFL clash

Just two weeks after insisting it would stand its ground over a clash with the AFL grand final, the NRL has changed its tune on Melbourne’s Suncorp Stadium showdown.

The NRL has backed away from a head-on collision and TV ratings battle with the AFL grand final to switch its own preliminary final to an afternoon time slot on Saturday week.

Melbourne Storm will now play the winner of the Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers game at 4pm on Saturday September 25 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The original plan was to start at the same time as the Melbourne Demons v Western Bulldogs AFL grand final at 7.30 on the Saturday evening.

Only two weeks ago, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo told The Sunday Telegraph: “We’ll stand our ground. Sports lovers will have to make a choice. League fans will be more interested in our preliminary final.

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Melbourne Storm booked a spot in the preliminary final with a win over Manly. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve got to do what’s right for our game, our teams, our fans and our stakeholders.

“I’m so focused on what’s right for our sport, not theirs.”

The decision to move the game to an afternoon time slot was to ensure the NRL game got the biggest possible national audience.

Melbourne Storm had complained to the NRL about the fixture clash, knowing it would have a huge effect on their viewership in Victoria.

The NRL had talks with Channel Nine and Fox Sports before making the decision.

Storm CEO Justin Rodski applauded the decision.

“It’s a huge result for Melbourne Storm members and fans,” Rodski said.

“They love their rugby league and they love their club. The AFL grand final is obviously a really big event. This decision should be applauded.

“This a huge opportunity for more rugby league growth in Victoria. More eyeballs, bigger audience on a really big stage is so important.”

The NRL was facing an unwinnable TV ratings showdown.

Melbourne Demons will play Western Bulldogs in the AFL grand final on Saturday week. Picture: Getty Images

The AFL grand final last year on a Saturday night at the Gabba in Brisbane rated a massive 3.8 million, the biggest free-to-air audience share since Oz TAM began in 2001, even higher than the Tokyo Olympics last month and Lleyton Hewitt in the Australian Open final in 2005.

Abdo admitted the decision was made because of fan backlash.

“Rugby League is about the fans who have made it clear across the weekend that they are disappointed about having to choose between the Preliminary Final and the AFL Grand Final,” Abdo said.

“We pride ourselves on being agile and listening to our fans. It’s clear that a small change to the schedule provides the best outcome for our fans in Melbourne who have been incredibly loyal throughout the pandemic.”

Mr Abdo said a daytime Preliminary Final was also a positive outcome for fans in Brisbane.

“This year has been unique and an afternoon Preliminary Final is also an opportunity to provide a more appealing time slot for younger families in southeast Queensland to attend the game.

“I would like to thank our broadcast partners for working with us to achieve an outcome that is in the best interests of our fans.”

Storm co-captain Dale Finucane said it was a great result for the club.

“It’s really pleasing that everyone who has an interest in the NRL and Storm in particular will be able to see the prelim final - either in person or on TV,” he said.

“I know we have lots of members and fans who support both codes — and didn’t want to have to make a choice. It’s going to make for a great day of sport.”