It’s here…after a much-anticipated finals series, we are down to the two best teams in the NRL competition for 2023 – Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos.
Can the Broncs stop a famous three-peat by the Panthers on Sunday at Accor Stadium in Sydney? Spearheaded by father and son duo Ivan and Nathan Cleary, Penrith has proved unstoppable the last two years and there will be many in the Western Suburbs convinced nothing with stop three in a row.
Enter a youthful Broncos lineup boasting the incredible talent of players like fullback Reece Walsh, who has been lighting up the try line this season and set for another big game this weekend – it’s a tough call footy fans, what do you think?
For those who missed out on tickets to see the game live, here are five of the best venues to get your Grand Final fever fix:
Casual café and bar, The Pointer’s Place on The Piazza in Wentworth Point brings a little slice of creativity to the Sydney burbs. Wooden ceiling beams, cosy tables and comfy couches add to a warm and inviting vibe, made more fun and funky at the weekends with live music and sport; stop in from early until late to appease ravenous hunger, enjoyed with a drink of choice.
Join a lively parochial crowd on Sunday to watch the footy action while chowing down on Mexican-spiced corn riblets, tossed in butter and salt, finished with fresh Parmesan and served with chipotle aioli and lemon; then wrap your hands around a Southern fried chicken burger with apple slaw, honey mustard, Swiss cheese and chips.
With a sports bar screening all the latest live sports action, there is no better place to be in Victoria on Sunday than Kyneton RSL on Mollison Street. Backing up from showing the AFL decider the day before, the Kyneton boasts an inviting dining room where friends and family gather in warm and welcoming surrounds of exposed brick and blond wood table settings.
Chow down on a Wagyu beef burger topped with bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and smoky BBQ onion relish, on a glazed milk bun served with chips; or a New York steak with seasonal vegetables, mushroom sauce and chips.
Tasty bistro meals in a refurbished environment have locals returning time and again to Ballarat Leagues Club on Humffray Street North for a family dinner. Make the sports bar your next destination to watch live footy action, whether taking in the AFL or NRL Grand Final this weekend, while devouring garlic prawns, jasmine rice, garlic cream sauce and toasted dukkah to start the action.
For a hearty main, try Atlantic salmon, crispy potatoes, bell pepper salsa, toasted almonds, green beans and Hollandaise, or slice your knife into perfectly cooked Scotch fillet with roast potatoes and vegetables. Finish with a dessert of sticky date pudding, butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Join the countdown to the biggest night of footy and watch the Grand Final live and loud on the big screen with a viewing party in The Showroom at Level One Lounge at Hornsby RSL on High Street. Located just off the Pacific Highway, Level One fuses classy and casual dining in a venue to suit a diverse clientele. Contemporary décor fills a spacious, bistro-style eatery ideal for any event with an open plan alfresco area, a plush indoor space with streams of natural light and a casual, lower set lounge by a bar for relaxed, pre-dinner drinks.
On Sunday, don’t miss out on exclusive food and beverage specials for footy viewers, so gather your mates and pair an icy cold beer with plates like spicy buffalo chicken wings, mushroom and mozzarella arancini and pork belly bites, coated in a sweet and spicy glaze.
Enjoy a slice of English pub fare and vibe at Hope and Anchor on Given Terrace in Paddington. Housed in a heritage-listed 19th Century bakery, this atmospheric bar and restaurant gives a nod to British settlers who built the area, reflected in pub-style service, food and drink. Relax indoors under golden lights and exposed sandstone walls, upstairs in wood-panelled leather booths; or outside in the courtyard, where catching up with friends and family over a pint is more than encouraged.
Say cheers to the Broncos with a Wagyu tomahawk steak, served with roasted chat potatoes and wilted greens, or wrap your hands around a Rueben burger with house-smoked pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, on rye bread.
