Days out from the NRL Grand Final, Sydney will remain host of next year’s event.
The news was confirmed by both the NSW Government and Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).
The government says it is happy that the game will remain part of its major events calendar for 2026.
With the game to be telecast to 51 countries and a push to promote the NRL in the United States and Asia-Pacific, the government says it is keen to keep the game.
It says the game will join its other sporting events in 2026 like the United Cup (tennis), SCG Ashes Test (cricket), SailGP (sailing), AFC Women’s Asian Cup (soccer), State of Origin (rugby league), The Everest (racing) and Sydney Marathon (running).
Tourism and Sport Minister Steve Kamper say they “need to make sure we cement Sydney’s legacy as the nation’s home of sport and the birthplace of rugby league”.
“Regardless of who plays in the grand final, rugby league fans will flock to Sydney.
“This a big win for sport fans and fantastic news for pubs, hotels, restaurants and retailers in Sydney, and gives them confidence to start planning for this event.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns claims there is no better city to host the grand final.
“… with NSW representing more than half of the clubs across the NRL and NRLW competitions, this is great news for the thousands of fans who will come together to celebrate the game in its home city,” he says.
There are 11 NSW-based clubs (including the Raiders in Canberra) in the 17-team NRL competition but teams from Perth and PNG are due to join.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys says that for Sunday’s game, more than 40,000 tickets were sold to interstate and overseas fans, adding $50 million-plus into the state economy.
On Sunday, the Sydney Roosters meet Melbourne in the women’s grand final followed by the Roosters-Melbourne men’s clash.
The Dally M medals have both been won by fullbacks: James Tedesco (Roosters) for the men and Tamika Upton (Brisbane) for the women’s competition. Coach of the year went to Ricky Stuat (Raiders men) and John Strange (Roosters women).
NRL TEAM OF THE YEAR
James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Xavier Coates, Kotoni Staggs, Stephen Crichton, Ethan Strange, Nathan Cleary, Addin Fonua-Blake, Payne Haas, Blayke Brailey, Eliesa Katoa, Hudson Young and Erin Clark.
NRLW TEAM OF THE YEAR
Tamika Upton, Payton Takimoana, Sheridan Gallagher, Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson, Gayle Broughton, Jesse Southwell, Ellie Johnston, Jessika Elliston, Emma Manzelmann, Romy Teitzel, Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Kernick.
