The Accor Stadium has a capacity of 83,500. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
NRL officials have announced that this year’s Grand Final will be played at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) handed down their decision earlier in the week saying that a one-year deal has been confirmed for the Grand Final.
“We’re pleased that we have been able to confirm a one-year deal with the NSW Government for the 2022 Grand Final,” said ARLC Chair Peter V’Landys.
“The Commission was always keen to ensure a balanced decision which was in the best interests of our fands and other important stakeholders, and we believe we have achieved that. The Commission will always act in the best long term interests of the game.”
Adding to that was NRL CEO Andrew Abdo who said that it’s time the Grand Final come back to Sydney.
“Our fans in NSW have missed a lot of football in recent years, we thank them for their patience and loyalty and we are pleased to have the Grand Final in Sydney on sale next week.”
Several states around Australia were on standby to wait for the decision including Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who was early awaiting the news.
“Where to host this year’s Grand Final was always the NRL’s decision to make, we wish them well,” she said.
But added that if they want to bring the NRL Grand Final back to Queensland, they definitely could.
Mr V’Landys did thank Queensland for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic in which majority of the games were played.
“I’d also like to thank the Queensland Government, who stood by us through COVID, partnered with us through the relocation of the 2021 Premiership, including the Grand Final, while also being ongoing hosts of NRL Magic Round.”
The Grand Final is set for October 2.
