NRL looking forward to Grand Final bonanza

The National Rugby League (NRL) is anticipating one of its biggest Grand Finals ever after about four million people watched the two qualifying semi finals over the weekend.

NRL Head of Commercial Paul Kind said the Rabbitohs v Bulldogs Grand Final on Sunday 5th October will cap off the most successful NRL Finals series ever.

Kind said more than 12 million viewers had already tuned in to the eight Finals Series games – including about two million for each of the weekend games.

Kind said the crowd of 46,168 at the Panthers v Bulldogs game on Saturday night (27th September) was the biggest ever recorded between the two teams.

Almost 100,000 people attended both games with finals crowds up by 18% on last year.

In addition, the Rabbitohs v Roosters clash on Friday night (26th September) was the most-watched premiership game in history (excluding grand finals).

Kind said the matchup between traditional rivals the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs is likely to see the Grand Final at the ANZ Stadium sell out quickly this week, stating "let there be no doubt ... this match is set to draw a monster crowd – both at the ground and on television.

“There will be a second release of tickets on sale tomorrow morning for members before they will be released to the general public on Tuesday and we expect tickets to go quickly.

“This match has got everything… two traditional Sydney sides, the Rabbitohs’ first grand finals in 43 years and a Bulldogs team which has a fantastic record in finals footy.

“We are finishing the season on a massive high with some amazing blockbusters, which the fans love.”

As part of the celebrations, Kind also announced that:

• The Harbour Bridge will be lit up each night from tonight until kick off on Sunday with a slide-show of 80 metre high projections of the two Grand Final teams lighting up the Sydney landmark each night.

• The NRL will light up the 2014 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final with spectacular pre-game entertainment that features international artists, Train and legendary guitarist, Slash.

Lasers, pyrotechnics, flames and special lighting will be used to ‘light up’ ANZ Stadium in a pre-game Grand Final show unlike the game has seen before.

The game will also celebrate the achievements of more than 20 of the game’s retiring players, including players such as Roosters’ Anthony Minichiello who have played 300 plus games.