NRL Grand Final 2016 Diary: Sharks, Storm team news, events, tickets, TV, betting, schedule

CRONULLA greats and the Sharks faithful gather for the club’s official Grand Final lunch as the players from both teams enjoy a day off.

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EVERYTHING you need to know about the NRL Grand Final including Cronulla and Melbourne’s latest team news, events, ticket info, betting, television and the schedule for the big day.

Friday’s feature event will see a host of former stars gathering for the official Cronulla Grand Final lunch at Sharks Leagues Club.

SHARKS

Yesterday: The players were put through arguably their most important session of the week, with only tomorrow’s captain’s run left before Sunday’s game. Paul Gallen’s men then joined the Storm for the Grand Final press conference and fan day.

Sharks player Luke Lewis takes a selfie with Tali Smith from Newcastle. Picture: Adam Yip

Today: It’s the players’ day off but a host of former stars will gather for the official Cronulla Grand Final lunch at Sharks Leagues Club.

STORM

Yesterday: The Storm did a morning session at iconic Leichhardt Oval, after their Dally M stars made an early exit from the awards ceremony the night before.

Today: A day off for the minor premiers ahead of tomorrow’s captain’s run to finalise preparations.

Storm skipper Cameron Smith signs autograph for a young fan. Picture: AAP

TICKETS

The match is officially a sellout with more than 83,000 fans expected at ANZ Stadium.

WEATHER

Cloudy the next two days before a glorious Grand Final day reaching tops of 26C.

ONLINE

Video: The Loz & Dog Grand Final edition

Sharks v Storm: A brief history

Check out how our 16 fearless preseason predictions fared

dailytelegraph.com.au

ON THE BOX

Re-live EVERY grand final from 1992 onwards. Fox Sports 1 from 9.30am

TAB BETTING

Storm $1.85

Sharks $2.00

GRAND FINAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, ANZ Stadium

1.15pm: Gates open

1.35pm: Holden Cup grand final: Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters

3.40pm: State Championship grand final: Burleigh Bears v Illawarra Cutters

6.30pm: Pre-Grand Final entertainment

7.15pm: NRL grand final: Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks

FAN GAME PLAN

Arrive early. Use public transport — all tickets include cost of travel. Drive only if you pre-book parking.

TRANSPORT

Direct trains Central to Olympic Park every eight minutes. Direct trains Cronulla to Redfern every 15 minutes. Major event buses from 11.40am.