The NRL has avoided a scheduling clash with the AFL after opting to move the Bulldogs’ first finals match in eight years away from a potential Saturday night timeslot which would have seen it go head-to-head with the GWS Giants.
In a bizarre twist, the NRL has dodged a showdown with its biggest rival code after opting to delay the all-Sydney blockbuster between Canterbury and Manly until Sunday afternoon at Accor Stadium.
It was widely assumed the clash between the two old rivals would be held at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday night, just metres away from the Sydney Showgrounds, where the Giants’ do-or-die clash with the Brisbane Lions kicks off at 7.30.
Given Canterbury’s near decade-long absence from the finals, the NRL crowd would have dwarfed what the Giants would have been able to pull at Engie Stadium against an interstate rival.
But according to club sources not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, the NRL were reluctant to have the Bulldogs-Sea Eagles match on in the same precinct and corresponding times at Homebush.
Instead, they can expect a bumper crowd for the family-friendly timeslot on Sunday afternoon – but it will also create a recovery issue leading into week two of the finals.
The Bulldogs will play their first finals game in eight years.Credit: Getty Images
The winner of the Bulldogs-Sea Eagles clash will have two fewer days to recover for their semi-final against the loser of the Panthers and Roosters, who will kick off the finals series at Penrith Park on Friday night.
The NRL confirmed its week one finals fixtures on Sunday night.
The Bulldogs secured a home final after the Sharks thumped the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon. A Manly win would have ensured the Sea Eagles would have hosted the Bulldogs on the northern beaches.
The Cowboys will host the Knights at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night after Newcastle denied Wayne Bennett a fairytale farewell and maiden finals appearance for the Dolphins.
Kalyn Ponga inspired the Knights to a decisive win at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, dashing the Dolphins’ hopes of a top eight finish in just their second season. Bennett will return to coach South Sydney in 2025.
The Saturday night schedule for the Cowboys-Knights game will mean more palatable conditions in the tropics as opposed to a daytime match on Sunday.
“After 27 rounds the final position in the top eight came down to the very last match,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in a statement.
“In 2024 we have seen spectacular football, the most tries since 1998, 10 golden point games and almost a third of the matches decided by six points or less.
“We have some great match-ups in the finals series week one, and in this premiership, any team can win on the day.”
Finals week 1 fixtures
Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters
BlueBet Stadium, Friday 7.50pm
Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks
AAMI Park, Saturday 4.05pm
North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 7.50pm
Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles
Accor Stadium, Sunday 4.05pm