The 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series was launched in spectacular fashion today with stars from all eight Finals teams coming together at Allianz Stadium.
Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm), Jarrod Croker (Canberra Raiders), Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks), Corey Parker (Brisbane Broncos), Jason Taumololo (North Queensland Cowboys), Matt Moylan (Penrith Panthers), James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs) and Nathan Friend (Gold Coast Titans) gathered ahead of what shapes as an extraordinary Finals Series.
With co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott unavailable to attend, 2015 NRL Lock of the Year Jason Taumalolo represented the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys for the event.
Thurston sustained a corked leg late in Saturday night’s match against the Titans, and club medical staff had concerns over the potential negative impacts of flying twice within a matter of days, from Townsville-Sydney return for today’s event, and to Melbourne for Saturday’s qualifying final.
Fellow captain Matt Scott was last week ruled out of attending and missed Saturday’s game against the Titans due to injury.
The Cowboys play their qualifying final against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Saturday 11 September, kicking off at 7.55pm.
“The Premiership so far has again been one of the closest on record,” NRL Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg said.
“It all came down to the final round – and the final game.
“Every top eight spot was up for grabs in Round 26, which suggests we have an incredible finals series ahead of us.
“Week after week, the 2016 season delivered magical moments which had to be seen to be believed. And as always there was nothing like being there to watch history happen.
“There are so many wonderful players and so many great storylines in this year’s Finals Series. I can’t wait to see who will be the next one.”
Fans will be able to attend NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series matches from $20 for members and $25 for the general public.
All finals matches will include pyrotechnic shows, roving fan engagement and live entertainment, continuing the #historyhappens theming.
Ticketing
- Ticketed club members: On sale now
- Non-ticketed & nrl.com members: On sale at 4pm, Monday 5 September
- General public: On sale 10am, Tuesday 6 September @ nrl.com/tickets
- NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final, Sunday 2 October: nrl.com/tickets
#NRLFinals #NRLStormCowboys
