The National Rugby League (NRL) final is one of the most anticipated events on the Australian sporting calendar. This year’s grand final has brought together some of the best talents in the game, with the Penrith Panthers facing off against the Melbourne Storm. With fans from around the globe eager to catch every minute of the action, this year’s final has delivered excitement, drama, and top-notch performances.
The Kid LAROI Headlines Pre-Game Entertainment
One of the highlights of the NRL grand final weekend was undoubtedly the pre-game entertainment, headlined by international pop star The Kid LAROI. The 21-year-old, known for his chart-topping hits, captivated the crowd with his 15-minute set that featured hits such as “Stay” and “Without You.” The South Sydney Rabbitohs fan didn’t stop there, ending his performance with a tribute to legendary Aussie rock band INXS, belting out a rendition of their classic hit “Never Tear Us Apart.”
While the performance was well-received by most, some fans on social media couldn’t resist poking fun at the excessive smoke effects used during the show. Many commented that The Kid LAROI’s performance was top-notch but joked that the fog sometimes made it hard to see the stage. Despite the light-hearted criticism, his performance was a memorable start to the grand final festivities.
The Grand Final Drama Unfolds: Panthers vs. Storm
Once the entertainment wrapped up, it was time for the main event—Penrith Panthers taking on the Melbourne Storm in a much-anticipated clash. The game started with plenty of fireworks, as both teams came out with intensity and determination. The first half was a close affair, with the Panthers taking a narrow 10-6 lead over the Storm.
The second half, however, was marred by controversy, as the Bunker made a critical ruling that left Storm fans fuming. A potential go-ahead try by Jack Howarth was denied, with many believing he had grounded the ball successfully. Even league legend Andrew Johns disagreed with the call, stating on live television, “I’m sure the ball gets down.”
Both teams continued to battle hard as the game progressed, but the Panthers eventually emerged victorious, cementing their place as one of the NRL’s most dominant teams in recent years.
Craig Bellamy and the Future of NRL Expansion
Amid all the grand final action, Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’Landys stirred up more intrigue with his comments regarding the future of the NRL and potential expansion plans. V’Landys hinted at the possibility of Storm coach Craig Bellamy leading one of the league’s expansion teams in the future.
Speaking ahead of the grand final, V’Landys expressed his admiration for Bellamy’s coaching prowess, stating that if the NRL moves forward with expansion, he’d love to see Bellamy at the helm of one of the new teams. While Bellamy has not publicly entertained the idea yet, V’Landys’ remarks have sparked speculation among fans and media about the future of the veteran coach.
Injury Concerns and Late-Game Heroics
As with any high-stakes sporting event, injuries and fitness became a hot topic of discussion. There were growing concerns about the fitness of Storm captain Harry Grant, who was rumoured to be battling a calf injury heading into the game. While Grant played through the match, questions remain about how much the injury affected his performance.
Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the NRL Grand Final, fans were treated to another thrilling contest—the State Championship Grand Final between the Norths Devils and the Newtown Jets. The Devils broke a nine-year drought, defeating the Jets 20-18 thanks to a stunning late try by Oryn Keeley. Keeley’s man-of-the-match performance will surely increase his chances of getting more opportunities at the NRL level next year.
Key Match Information: Date, Time, and How to Watch
For those outside Australia, catching the NRL grand final was easier thanks to VPN services, allowing fans worldwide to stream the match through Australia’s Channel Nine. The men’s final occurred on Sunday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m. AEDT (4:30 a.m. ET), with Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers competing for the title. The women’s final also occurred on the same day, featuring the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
For viewers in Australia, the match was broadcast live on Channel Nine, with fans outside the country accessing the coverage via streaming platforms like 9Now and WatchNRL. VPNs also allowed international fans to bypass geo-blocks and tune into the game.
Teams and Referee Information
The showdown saw the following teams and officials take to the field:
- Storm Team: Ryan Papenhuyzen, William Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Tui Kamikamica, Harry Grant, Josh King, Shawn Blore, Eliesa Katoa, Trent Loiero, Tyran Wishart, Christian Welch, Lazarus Vaalepu, Alec MacDonald, Grant Anderson
- Coach: Craig Bellamy
- Panthers Team: Dylan Edwards, Sunia Turuva, Izack Tago, Paul Alamoti, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, James Fisher-Harris, Liam Martin, Scott Sorensen, Isaah Yeo, Luke Garner, Brad Schneider, Lindsay Smith, Liam Henry, Matt Eisenhuth
- Coach: Ivan Cleary
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Review Official: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judges: David Munro and Chris Sutton
- Standby Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Standby Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Final Thoughts on an Exciting NRL Season
The 2024 NRL season has been one for the books. From record-breaking membership numbers to the rise of new stars, the league continues to capture the hearts and minds of rugby fans across Australia and worldwide. The grand final was the perfect way to cap off a thrilling season, with the Penrith Panthers again proving their dominance in the league.
As the dust settles on another NRL grand final, fans will no doubt be looking forward to next season and what lies ahead for their favourite teams. Whether you’re a diehard supporter of the Panthers, a fan of the Storm, or love the game, this year’s grand final provided the drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments that make rugby league one of Australia’s most beloved sports.
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