NRL to move Storm preliminary final to avoid AFL grand final clash

The NRL will move the Storm’s preliminary final to an earlier timeslot to avoid a scheduling clash with the AFL grand final.

Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter V’landys and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo considered the shift on Monday, which would avoid the grand final qualifier being played at the same time as the Melbourne-Western Bulldogs decider at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

First bounce in the AFL grand final is due at 7.15pm in the eastern states, while the Storm’s showdown with either the Penrith Panthers or Parramatta Eels was scheduled to kick off at 7.50pm at Suncorp Stadium.

But the NRL will now play the game at 4pm.

While the NRL was reluctant to change its finals scheduling, Storm officials had expressed their dismay at having to compete against an all-Melbourne AFL grand final, which would start at least half an hour before kick-off in their seventh straight preliminary final.

The NRL ensures all teams which play in week two of the finals are given a seven-day recovery before the grand final qualifier, meaning they initially gave Melbourne a Saturday night preliminary final. The Rabbitohs will play the winner of the Sea Eagles and Roosters on the Friday night.

The Melbourne Storm celebrate reaching another preliminary final.Credit:Getty

There were no such problems clashing with the AFL grand final last year because the deciders of both major football codes were played on the same weekend after COVID-interrupted seasons.

“Rugby league is about the fans who have made it clear across the weekend that they are disappointed about having to choose between the preliminary final and the AFL grand final which is scheduled to play at a similar time,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

“We pride ourselves on being agile and listening to our fans. It’s clear that a small change to the schedule provides the best outcome for our fans in Melbourne who have been incredibly loyal throughout the pandemic.”

Storm chief executive Justin Rodski told SEN earlier on Monday it was a “missed opportunity” having the minor premiers play at the same time as the AFL showpiece.

Meanwhile, the Storm have retained Craig Bellamy’s coaching staff with Stephen Kearney, Marc Brentnall, Ryan Hinchliffe and Bellamy’s son Aaron all committing to the club until the end of 2023.

More to come

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