Regional Queensland will host Week 1 of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series headlined by a double header at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and games on the Sunshine Coast and in Rockhampton.
On Friday night, Minor Premiers Melbourne Storm will kick-off the 2021 Series against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles on the Sunshine Coast. On Saturday Townsville will host a double header between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans ahead of the Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs. On Sunday the Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights will play in Rockhampton.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the Australian Rugby League Commission wanted to reward regional Queensland for the role they have played in keeping the season going.
"Rugby League is part of the social fabric of these communities and we're excited to reward them for that support by hosting the first week of our finals series,'' he said.
"Through adversity comes opportunity and we're delighted to give back to these regions with the rare opportunity to host semi-final games. We're also continuing to work with the Queensland Government about playing in regional Queensland for Week 2."
Mr Abdo thanked clubs, players and officials for the way they have handled the relocation of the competition.
"This has been an incredibly challenging year, but like we did in 2020, the game has come together and we have found a way to keep our competition going which is a great outcome for our fans, many of whom are experiencing lockdowns.
"I can't wait for the series to start. Clearly Melbourne and Penrith have been outstanding through the regular season, but we saw only a week ago that Parramatta defeated the Storm - a number of teams have found form at the right time of the year to set up the series perfectly.
"This will be a very unique Finals Series knowing that teams will not have the usual home ground advantage. It will be especially important for members and supporters of the teams in Queensland to attend the games and give their teams the edge at a home away from home."
TICKETING INFORMATION
Tickets to all Week 1 Finals matches will be on sale to the public at 1pm on Monday, starting at $25 for adults.
All tickets can be secured through nrl.com/tickets.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
All matches for Week One of the NRL Telstra Premiership 2021 Finals Series will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, Kayo Sports, 9NOW and Sky NZ.
NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series - Week 1
Friday, 10 September
Qualifying Final: Melbourne Storm v Manly Sea Eagles, 7.50pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium
Saturday, 11 September
Elimination Final: Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast Titans, 5.40pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Qualifying Final: Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Sunday, 12 September
Elimination Final: Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights, 4.05pm at Browne Park, Rockhampton
