In a replay of the 2020 Grand Final, the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm will do battle in this year’s NRL decider at Accor Stadium in Sydney this Sunday, October 6 in front of more than 80,000 screaming fans.
Music superstar and South Sydney Rabbitohs fan, The Kid LAROI will headline the entertainment with the NRL choosing an Australian artist in contrast to the AFL’s selection of Katy Perry for its Grand Final.
Will it be a four-peat and cement a Penrith dynasty, or will it be the Perfect Storm? Either way, it will be history-making and here are five venues to get your footy final fix:
Big Screens to Watch All the Action
Located in Hahndorf in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, head to The Haus Restaurant on Main Street for an amazing selection of dishes created from the best in local produce. A rustic vibe of exposed brick, wooden ceiling beams and pendent lighting awaits, or dine outdoors under market umbrellas and watch the world pass by.
Watch the Grand Final live with plenty of screens inside to enjoy the match with family and friends…plus beer! Perhaps share a taste of Bavaria platter as you cheer on your team and chow down on slow-cooked juicy pork hock, bockwurst, Vienna, bratwurst and cheese kransky sausages and smoked kassler pork chop, or a Haus pepperoni pizza with mozzarella and Parmesan on a tomato base.
Grand Final Live & Loud
Established in 1886, the Grosvenor Hotel on Hay Street in the heart of the city is one of Perth’s oldest operating pubs, steeped in history and stories to tell. This modern renovated building still holds homage to its heritage features surrounded by exposed brick and gabled ceilings; when the sun is out, enjoy one of Grosvenor's tap beers on the outdoor terrace area as you soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Watch the action live and loud on Sunday while sharing a mate's plate of roasted chicken wings, marinated Greek lamb, pork ribs, beef skewers, pork chorizo, chips, chilli jam, warm Turkish bread and a side salad, or pick up a slice of Moroccan chicken pizza with mozzarella, bacon, red onion and an aioli drizzle, washed down with a glass of Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc.
Celebrate the GF in the Beer Garden
Located on leafy Swan Street in Guildford, the historic Rose & Crown Hotel was built in 1841 and is ideally situated at the gateway to the State's Swan Valley region. Long a welcome resting place for travellers and visitors, this watering hole is WA’s oldest operating hotel among only a handful of original country classic Georgian pubs in Australia.
Set on 2.5 acres, the stately venue commands a prominent position alongside a variety of shops and cafes on the street; stop in for an icy brew to celebrate the final in the beer garden and delve into pub classics such as beef and Guinness pie with mash, wilted spinach and house gravy, or a smoked chicken schnitzel with chips and mushroom sauce.
Heritage-listed Watering Hole
Expect more than just great service, amazing food and a vibrant atmosphere at The Willunga Hotel on High Street in Willunga. A beer garden with an all-weather pergola, gazebos and lawn play space is the spot to head on balmy days to soak up rays with an ice-cold brew; while indoors, this heritage-listed watering hole is a throwback to colonial times with stone work providing a unique ambience complemented by fine woodwork and an open fireplace.
Photo credit: Phil Newland.
Join mates this Sunday to watch the GF in style as you devour pan-fried prawns in chilli and ginger sauce, with spring onion, herbs and coconut steamed rice; or opt for classic pub fare like Coopers Pale Ale battered fish, with garden salad, lemon wedge, chips and tartar sauce. Perhaps choose from the Chef’s selection for dishes like kangaroo and caramelised onion pie with roast pumpkin, mushrooms, sweet potato mash, tomato chutney and peppercorn glaze.
Riverside Grand Final Destination
Watch the sun set over the Tweed River with an ice-cold beer at Tumbulgum Tavern on Riverside Drive in Tumbulgum. This Northern Rivers dining destination oozes rustic charm with a balcony, verandah and alfresco deck for chilling out with family and friends; there’s even a playground with swings, slides and gardens to keep the kids occupied.
This is the ideal watering hole to gather the gang to watch the game while devouring a full rack of slow-roasted pork ribs, covered in hickory BBQ sauce, served with a jacket potato, sour cream and slaw, or tuck into a Mexican parmy with black bean and tomato salsa, three types of cheese, jalapeños and corn chips.
