Celebrations and formalities are underway ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm, with players from both teams meeting hundreds of fans.

Council of the City of Sydney

The lead-up to the NRL grand final has seen Sydney welcome players, officials, and fans from across Australia. Formal events, including a lunch with league leaders, have recognised the achievements of the grand finalists and farewelled retiring players. 

Supporters of both the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm have gathered at key city locations, expressing their loyalty and excitement for the match. Despite being away from home, both teams are expected to have strong backing, with the Broncos noted as the most widely followed team in the league and Melbourne also enjoying significant support. The city atmosphere is charged as fans await the outcome on the field.

NRL grand final fever begins

The Sydney tour begins, starting with the formalities. A sit-down lunch with the game's power brokers, recognising the grand finalists and farewelling others. Retired Christian Welch vouching for Sydneysiders to back his storm in the Brisbane versus Melbourne clash. A lot of Sydneysiders are probably thinking, oh, I don't even know who they want to go for. Then it was off to Circular Quay with hundreds of passionate supporters from far and wide trying to get a glimpse of the teams. Who's going to win on Sunday evening? Brisbane! Family ties helping establish allegiances. You're a Bellamy. Yep. Are you related to Craig? Yeah. What is he to... in relation to you? My grandfather and his father were brothers. Some are overly confident. I actually booked the grand final tickets in flight three weeks ago. The numbers have been cracked and the Broncos are still the most widely followed team in the league. Coincidentally, in second is Melbourne. Now, based on that and from what we can see down here, they won't be short of support despite being in enemy territory. Oh, it's just horrible. We need at least one team to represent us. For those without a team to barrack for, they're relying on past Sydney connections. And why do you like Adam Reynolds? Because he used to play for South. While others... Anyone but Pernod will be saying it all year. I'm very upset. Very upset. ..the tension has already begun. From 2023, we actually deserve it and we're doing it very hard. Go, the Broncos! 2024, we're hungry for that! Let's go, Melbourne! All will be settled on field. Brooke East, 10 News.

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