The New South Wales government has confirmed Sydney won't be in a position to host this year's grand final, clearing the way for Suncorp Stadium to hold the match for the first time.
NSW has a long-term contract to host the match, but with the state in lockdown, and no signs of restrictions easing in time for the match in four weeks, it would have been impossible for the game to go ahead with a crowd.
It will be the first time the match has been held outside of Sydney.
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"Due to the current COVID-19 situation in Greater Sydney and across the state, the NSW Government has informed the NRL that unfortunately New South Wales is unable to host the 2021 NRL Premiership Grand Final on Sunday 3 October," sports minister Stuart Ayres said in a statement.
"While it is very disappointing to miss out on this marquee event, it reinforces the importance of our community getting vaccinated so that events like the NRL Grand Final with crowds can safely return to our stadiums as soon as possible.
"I would like to thank the NRL for its understanding in this challenging situation and its ongoing support of the NSW visitor economy.
"The NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, looks forward to working with the Australian Rugby League Commission to welcome the NRL Grand Final back to Sydney in 2022 bigger and brighter than ever before."
MORE TO COME.
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