clontaago
First Grader
D-DAY for the grand final is fast approaching, with club chief executives to debate the prospect of scrapping a night finale amid a concerted push for the game to be played in the afternoon.
A final decision to revert to a day grand final, or not, will be made made by the NRL board next Thursday, after consultation with the clubs and Channel Nine.
Several clubs have stated their support for a day grand final, with Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen backing the move last month. However, the final decision could swing on Channel Nine, which is understood to favour a night grand final because of extra ratings and revenue.
The NRL is understood to have held talks with Nine executives over the possibility of moving the kick-off back to the afternoon. Several factors in favour of scrapping the night kick-off including a push from fans, the game's centenary celebrations and an earlier start to daylight saving.
"The issue of the day grand final will certainly be raised," NRL chief executive David Gallop said. "The change to daylight saving has opened a new problem around the current kick-off time."
The first night grand final was held in 2001, when Newcastle defeated Parramatta at Telstra Stadium. But there has been a concerted campaign to revert to a day grand final, with momentum building in recent years.
The issue has the potential to divide the clubs, which will meet in Sydney next week at the annual conference, given that those north of the border are unified in their belief the NRL should revert to a day decider.
"I understand why they play it at night time given the commercial advantages it brings," North Queensland chief executive Peter Parr said.
"I think just about all of Queensland would much prefer a day grand final."
However, Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron said the clubs needed to put the game first.
"As a code we have a real competitive advantage with a night grand final," Waldron said.
A final decision to revert to a day grand final, or not, will be made made by the NRL board next Thursday, after consultation with the clubs and Channel Nine.
Several clubs have stated their support for a day grand final, with Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen backing the move last month. However, the final decision could swing on Channel Nine, which is understood to favour a night grand final because of extra ratings and revenue.
The NRL is understood to have held talks with Nine executives over the possibility of moving the kick-off back to the afternoon. Several factors in favour of scrapping the night kick-off including a push from fans, the game's centenary celebrations and an earlier start to daylight saving.
"The issue of the day grand final will certainly be raised," NRL chief executive David Gallop said. "The change to daylight saving has opened a new problem around the current kick-off time."
The first night grand final was held in 2001, when Newcastle defeated Parramatta at Telstra Stadium. But there has been a concerted campaign to revert to a day grand final, with momentum building in recent years.
The issue has the potential to divide the clubs, which will meet in Sydney next week at the annual conference, given that those north of the border are unified in their belief the NRL should revert to a day decider.
"I understand why they play it at night time given the commercial advantages it brings," North Queensland chief executive Peter Parr said.
"I think just about all of Queensland would much prefer a day grand final."
However, Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron said the clubs needed to put the game first.
"As a code we have a real competitive advantage with a night grand final," Waldron said.
