Toowoomba fans gear up for historic NRL grand final in Queensland

South Sydney and Penrith fans are making themselves known across the Garden City ahead of the NRL’s historic decider in Queensland.

(From left) Ellie Sharpe, Emma Sharpe, Hudson Glass, Beccy Glass, Jack Sharpe and Jan Ede with Panthers fan Nick Hauser (front). Picture: Nev Madsen.

THE biggest game on the rugby league calendar is here, and Garden City residents are getting right behind an NRL grand final held right here in Queensland.

The sport’s showpiece game takes centre stage at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday with South Sydney taking on Penrith.

Fans from across Queensland are donning their colours with pride ahead of the mammoth showdown, including right here in Toowoomba.

Panthers tragic Nick Hauser has supported the club for more than 30 years. He’s secured his tickets for the big game

“I picked them up myself when I was going to school,” Mr Hauser said.

“In the 80s I liked the underdog and then they had a bit of success during the early 90s, and stuck with them ever since.”

Holding the position of general manager environment and community services at Toowoomba Regional Council, there’s been a tinge of Panther black adoring the halls of council this week.

“I’ve got a good wardrobe and haven’t had to wear the same jersey twice,” he said.

“Everyone asks how many have you got, and I tell them I’ve got enough for the week.

“There’s a nice little decoration up in the corridor with the colours flying high.

“Somebody got a bit cute and put a chocolate bunny in among my Panthers stuff, but I cut him in half, just like the Panthers are going to do to the bunnies on Sunday.”

Jack Sharpe, 11, has enjoyed the spoils of Rabbitohs success in recent years.

A player with Valleys in the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League, the young man is hoping to witness the club’s 22nd premiership.

“I went for the Tigers at first then changed my mind at about five to the bunnies,” Jack said.

“My favourite players are Dane Gagai and Adam Reynolds.”

Jack’s prediction for this Sunday is a simple one: “Go bunnies.”