NRL grand final call breaks 114-year tradition as game moves from NSW

The NRL will break a league tradition stretching back more than 100 years as it confirms the 2021 grand final venue.

The NRL has locked in the location for the 2021 grand final. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The NRL has confirmed the 2021 grand final will take place at Suncorp Stadium.

The decision comes after the NSW government announced earlier today they would not be able to host the event, as the state grapples with exploding Covid cases.

Watch every 2021 NRL Telstra Finals Series match before Grand Final. Live & Ad-Break Free on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free >

It will be the first time in the competition’s history that the grand final will be played outside of NSW, as Suncorp will welcome rugby league’s showcase event on Sunday, October 3.

Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V’landys paid tribute to both the NSW and Queensland governments for their efforts this season, and reserved special praise for Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“I’d like to acknowledge the New South Wales Government, in particular Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres for working collaboratively with us to reach an outcome that ensures the health and safety of NSW residents and allows the NRL to showcase the Grand Final live to rugby league fans,” V’landys said.

Suncorp Stadium will play host to the 2021 NRL grand final. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

“This has been a long and enduring partnership and one that will continue into the future.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young for their support in ensuring the continuity of our competition which provides an escapism to so many fans dealing with lockdowns, but also injects a significant amount of money in to the Queensland economy.

“The Queensland Premier is a warrior for the people of Queensland and just keeps delivering for them.

“This year we will create history, playing the Grand Final in Brisbane for the very first time. “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, 3 State of Origins and the Grand Final.”

The NRL moved the competition to Queensland in mid-July after NSW’s outbreak, and the clubs have been in Covid bubbles ever since.

Games have been played across the Sunshine State since the relocation, with regional venues including Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Mackay hosting regular season games alongside Townsville, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo echoed the sentiments of V’landys, and was delighted at the prospect of rewarding rugby league fans in Queensland for the state’s efforts in keeping the competition afloat.

“Rugby League is part of the DNA of regional Queensland,” Abdo said.

The NRL finals series begins on Friday night. Picture: Dan Peled/Getty Images

“A number of towns have played a key role in keeping the competition going and we want to reward those fans and councils for their support of rugby league.

“From every challenge comes an opportunity and this year has presented us with an opportunity to reward regional Queenslanders with finals games.

“We have fans far and wide and our finals schedule acknowledges and rewards our fans in regional areas with live finals football as well as southeast Queensland who has been home to our teams.”

The announcement of Suncorp Stadium almost became a formality, after the NSW government admitted they would not host the event.

NSW Minister of Jobs, Investment and Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the unfortunate Covid situation in the state meant it was impossible to host the grand final at ANZ Stadium, but insisted the state would be ready for the event in 2022.

“Due to the current Covid-19 situation in Greater Sydney and across the state, the NSW government has informed the NRL that unfortunately NSW is unable to host the 2021 NRL premiership grand final on Sunday, 3 October,” Ayres said.

“While it is very disappointing to miss out on this marquee event, it reinforces the importance of our community getting vaccinated so that events like the NRL grand final with crowds can safely return to our stadiums as soon as possible.”