ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys has officially announced where the 2022 NRL Grand Final will be held.
Following a week of posturing from either side of the border, the NRL opted to keep the game in Sydney after an agreement was reached with the NSW government to continue to host the decider.
While the decision was as expected, in announcing the news V’landys made a shock move by joking that the game would be held in the non-rugby league heartland of Melbourne, stunning journalists at Wednesday’s press conference.
“I won’t be giving a long speech, I’ll be very short and sweet,” V’landys said.
“The Commission has been in negotiations now for a week, they’ve been extensive.
“Realistically, we only came to a conclusion this afternoon.
“We wanted to give it to a city that needs a major football event, that’s why we’ve gone with Melbourne … just kidding.
“Greetings Gil (McLachlan) if you’re watching.”
After scaring both rugby league fans and AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan with the shock decision, V’landys confirmed that Accor Stadium was truly where the showpiece would be held.
“No, look, as I’ve said, after extensive negotiations, we have made a decision which we believe is in the best interest of our fans,” V’landys said.
“That is to hold the game in Sydney this year.”
The 2022 Grand Final will be played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium with kick-off billed for 6:30 pm (AEDT).
"Greetings, Gil if you're watching." 😂
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) August 18, 2022
🏟️ He's been working on that one all week … Peter V'landys cracks a joke ahead of the @NRL Grand Final announcement. 🏆🏉
Read more: 👉 https://t.co/aicVkxSCag#NRL #NRLGF #NRLGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/uiDlg9DSRG