Panthers game Sunday, Dolphins Friday as NRL avoids AFL clash
The NRL schedules its prelim finals Friday and Sunday to avoid the AFL Grand Final on Saturday.
The Dolphins will host their grand final qualifier on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium. They face either the Roosters or Sharks.
The Panthers finished first on the ladder. They play their preliminary final on Sunday afternoon at Accor Stadium.
They face either the Warriors or Knights. The NRL continues a successful trial from last year.
The Broncos backed up from the Sunday slot. They won the Grand Final a week later.
The Sunday schedule avoids a direct clash with the AFL Grand Final on Saturday afternoon. It could feature the Brisbane Lions and/or Sydney Swans.
It also gives Panthers playmaker Nathan Cleary extra time to recover. He has a stress-related bone issue in his foot.
The NRL Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday October 4.
- Friday September 25 at Suncorp Stadium
- Dolphins preliminary final
- Sunday September 27 at Accor Stadium
- Panthers preliminary final
- Saturday September 26
- AFL Grand Final
- Sunday October 4
- NRL Grand Final
Why it mattersGame times affect the competitive balance. They give some teams extra recovery days. They also protect TV audiences. This keeps rugby league and Australian rules football from competing on the same day.
AustraliaAustralian rugby league fans get clearer broadcast options and avoid the AFL Grand Final clash; Panthers supporters benefit from Cleary's additional recovery time before the finals.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
