Brisbane Broncos, Lions fans united for grand final weekend

Brisbane Broncos fans desperate for a ticket to Sunday’s big game have one last chance on Monday, as plans get under way to assemble live sites for both the NRL and AFL grand final finals blockbusters.

Live fan sites will recreate the atmosphere of the Matildas’ electrifying World Cup run during Brisbane’s massive football weekend when the Broncos and Lions do battle in a historic NRL and AFL double-header.

It comes as supporters who want to be there in the flesh are still in the hunt for tickets, flights and accommodation – but they come at a cost.

Ticketed NRL club members have one more chance on Monday at 10am and non-ticketed members at 1pm.

AFL fans have no such luck, with Brisbane and Collingwood gold members given the last chance at tickets on Sunday.

Any supporters still empty-handed will have to take their chances on the secondary market.

Fan photos: Broncos v Warriors

VIEW GALLERY

The state government is considering opening a Matildas-style fan site as the city’s flagship teams, the Brisbane Broncos and Brisbane Lions, play grand finals in the same year for the first time.

In a mega finals weekend for the city, the Lions play Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday before the Broncos battle the Panthers at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Sunday.

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said he was hopeful the government and council would work to establish a live site for the historic occasion.

“Obviously most people won’t be able to get to the grand finals,” he said.

“We’ve done that well before at South Bank, King George Square and places like that.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of thought overnight at both the council and state government.

“We should absolutely embrace this, it’s an historic weekend and we want everybody to enjoy it to the maximum.”

For those fans who want to actually be at the grand finals themselves, a three-day stay can cost north of $20,000 for the most lavish experience.

Airbnbs in Sydney are scarce, with just 49 properties available to book, including one priced at $11,549 to stay from Saturday to Monday.

The expensive listing in Surry Hills is a house with two bedrooms, three beds and one bathroom, and accommodates up to six guests.

Although Melbourne had more options, prices to stay from Friday to Sunday were up to $20,292. That listing was a rental with four bedrooms, seven beds and two baths, accommodating up to 12 guests.

80+ photos: Ultimate Broncos fans flashback gallery

VIEW GALLERY

As for airfares, Qantas and Jetstar have added new flights since both Brisbane teams won through to the grand finals.

A Qantas spokesperson said: “Fares on the additional services will start from $377 on Qantas to Melbourne, or $326 on Qantas to Sydney.

“As is always the case, the lowest fares on each airline sell the quickest.”

A Courier-Mail analysis as of 2pm on Sunday showed footy fans could get return tickets to Sydney from $626 or Melbourne from $665.

The cheapest flights to Sydney leave Brisbane on Friday at 5pm for $239 and returns on Monday at 7pm for $387.

The cheapest price to Melbourne was leaving Brisbane at 8.30pm for $375 and returning on Monday for $290.

Lions fan Spencer Moore, 8, and Broncos fan Harry Wiseman, 8. Picture: Nigel Hallett

TWO TRIBES GO TO WAR... TOGETHER

Back-to-back masterclass performances from the Brisbane Lions and Broncos on Saturday have inspired the next generation of footy fans, who are yet to see the championship trophies come home.

With over 15 years since both teams’ last premierships, this year’s performances have brought AFL and NRL fans closer together.

Harry Wiseman, 8, was stoked to meet the Broncos earlier this year, running out with them in the Beanie For Brain Cancer round.

Living in a Broncos jersey this week, he is thrilled to watch them take on the Panthers in the grand final.

“I feel proud to live in Brisbane,” he aid. “I’ll cry happy tears if they win.”

Lions supporter Spencer Moore, also 8, was similarly inspired by the team’s success.

“It means so much to me because I’ve never seen them in a grand final before,” Spencer said. “I’ve got a good feeling about them both winning the grand final. Let’s go Brisbane!”

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos, Lions fans united for grand final weekend