NSWRL Chief Executive has today announced that the League's three Senior Competition Grand Finals will be played on the same day at iconic Sydney venue, Allianz Stadium.
The NSWRL will return rugby league deciders to Allianz Stadium on a gala grand final day for the VB NSW Cup and other senior open-age competitions.
The NSWRL today announced that the VB NSW Cup, the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield deciders would be staged on the same day at Allianz Stadium, which last hosted a first-grade grand final in 1998.
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden made the announcement during a function which included players and representatives from every senior club.
“It’s an exciting day for rugby league in NSW,” Trodden said. “Being able to come together to play all of our senior grand finals at such a prestigious venue is a significant step forward for the entire organisation.
“We are looking for a high-performance mentality to be evident all through our organisation. That is especially true on the most significant day of the calendar year for our senior open-age competitions and the clubs. Put simply, the best teams in our competitions need to be playing at the best venue we can provide.”
The VB NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield grand finals will be played at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, September 28.
“I’m delighted the NSWRL have decided to host Grand Final Day at Allianz Stadium,” SCG Trust chief executive Jamie Barkley said.
“Grand Final Day is a time honoured tradition in Rugby League and I have no doubt fans will enjoy seeing the next generation of stars perform on the big stage. Today’s announcement gives rugby league fans extra reason to celebrate and reinforces Allianz Stadium as Sydney's home of Rugby League.”
The NSWRL also announced it had formed a partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and would schedule a themed round to raise awareness and funds for the charity, which grants Starlight Wishes and provides innovative hospital and outreach programs for chronically ill children, adolescents and their families.
The NSW Cup Wish League will involve a number of fundraising initiatives in the lead-up to and during round eight, and will be formalised in a special presentation during the match between North Sydney and Canterbury on May 3.
“The NSWRL is intent on playing pivotal role in community development, and this partnership highlights that focus,” NSWRL chairman Dr George Peponis said. “Both organisations are intent on making a difference.”
Louise Baxter, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia, added: “Starlight aims to transform these children’s experiences by replacing pain, fear and boredom with fun, joy and laughter. While health professionals focus on treating the illness, we can offer sick kids support and help them be children again.
“Starlight relies solely on the community and corporate partners for funding and we’re appreciative of the support of the NSWRL to help us continue to brighten the lives of sick children, adolescents and their families.”
For more information on the NSWRL’s partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, go to www.starlightfundraising.org.au/event/nswcupwishleague
