Sea Eagles Cherry Ripe as second half swoop downs Eels
12 hours ago | Sam Bourke
The NRL is heading towards one of its biggest Grand Finals ever after about four million people watched the two qualifying semi finals over the weekend.
NRL Head of Commercial, Paul Kind said the Rabbitohs v Bulldogs Grand Final on Sunday was set to cap off the most successful Finals series ever.
He said more than 12 million viewers had already tuned in to the eight Finals Series games - including about two million for each of the weekend games.
Mr Kind said the crowd of 46,168 at last night's Panthers v Bulldogs game last night was the biggest ever recorded between the two teams.
Almost 100,000 people attended both games with finals crowds up by 18% on last year.
And the Rabbitohs v Roosters clash on Friday night was the most-watched premiership game in history (excluding grand finals).
Mr Kind said the matchup between traditional rivals the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs meant the Grand Final would sell out quickly this week.
"Let there be no doubt… this match is set to draw a monster crowd - both at the ground and on television," he said.
"There will be a second release of tickets on sale tomorrow morning for members before they will be released to the general public on Tuesday and we expect tickets to go quickly.
"This match has got everything… two traditional Sydney sides, the Rabbitohs' first grand finals in 43 years and a Bulldogs team which has a fantastic record in finals footy.
"We are finishing the season on a massive high with some amazing blockbusters, which the fans love."
As part of the celebrations, Mr Kind also announced that:
"The calibre of retiring players in 2014 is incredible and deserves a showcase performance of its own," Mr Kind said.
Star performer Simon Gleeson, from the new production of Les Miserables, will perform the national anthem before kick off.
"Fans who purchase a grand final ticket in 2014 will be treated to more than 10 hours of top value entertainment," Mr Kind said.
This week also includes: