NRL Finals Matchday Review

Alexander Bebendorf

Sunday afternoon in Brisbane, and my friends insisted it was finally time. After dipping my toes into AFL earlier this year, the other side of this country’s great sporting divide was calling. The Brisbane Broncos were hosting the Penrith Panthers in a Preliminary Final: a rematch of 2023’s Grand Final that had the whole city buzzing. Kick-off was set for 4:05 pm, the late-afternoon sun setting the perfect stage for a Queensland rugby league blockbuster.

The NRL

The NRL is Australia’s premier rugby league competition, built around 17 clubs and an intense September finals series. This was a true heavyweight encounter: Penrith chasing a remarkable fifth straight title, Brisbane desperate to avenge their heartbreaking loss to the Panthers in the 2023 Grand Final. A ticket to next Sunday’s decider against the perennial contenders Melbourne awaited the winner.

Getting There

I was lucky enough to receive my ticket was a gift, saving me from endless queues and massive headaches. For most fans, it was a near-impossible mission, with seats selling out almost instantly and demand reportedly five times greater than the stadium’s capacity. Driving in was straightforward enough, though traffic around the ground was heavy and public transport looked packed. Exiting afterwards with 52,000 other people meant a slow shuffle back to the car, but police managed the flow well with road closures making it smoother. Entry queues were long but moved efficiently, and security checks were handled with friendly professionalism.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Ticket scarcity and heavy traffic were hassles, but smooth entry and well-managed post-game crowds kept the experience solid.

The Venue

Lang Park (officially Suncorp Stadium) is a three-tiered, 52,500-seat cauldron purpose-built for rectangular sports. For a venue of this size it remains decently clean and easy to navigate, with clear signage, ample amenities, and plenty of vantage points. Its steep stands bring fans right on top of the action, creating a thunderous wall of noise when the crowd roars.

Rating: ★★★★☆

A modern, steeply banked stadium that delivers atmosphere and comfort, only losing a star for the inevitable congestion of a full house.

Food & Drink

Stadium catering here is broad and well organised. Four major bars and countless kiosks offered everything from classic burgers and fish-and-chips to Italian options, vegan fare, Red Rooster, and specialty coffee. Prices were typical stadium fare: high but not too outrageous. Queues were horrendous, but that's to be expected considering the sellout crowd.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Excellent variety and decent quality offset the long lines and standard stadium pricing.

Crowd & Atmosphere

This was easily the loudest sporting atmosphere I’ve experienced in Australia. The sellout crowd was a wonderfully diverse group families, friend groups, and lone die-hards, all united in maroon and gold. A hype-man prowled the sideline with a microphone, but the most spine-tingling moments came from spontaneous chants and surging roars as the Broncos clawed their way back. There was no singing like I would find in Europe, but the sheer volume and intensity did something to compensate. When Brisbane scored the go-ahead try with five minutes left, the sound was almost physical.

Rating: ★★★★★

Deafening noise, passionate fans, and a dramatic comeback combined for a genuinely world-class atmosphere.

The Game Itself

Penrith dominated the first half, scoring two tries and a penalty to lead 14–0. Brisbane looked doomed until momentum flipped after the break. A try seven minutes into the second half sparked belief in the fans, then another with eleven minutes left cut the deficit to 14–10. A final strike five minutes from time sealed a stunning 16–14 comeback. The Broncos not only reached the Grand Final but ended Penrith’s four-year title reign. It was gripping from start to finish.

Rating: ★★★★★

A perfectly scripted finals thriller with a dramatic comeback and high stakes made it unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

My rugby league-loving friends promised me a spectacle, and this afternoon exceeded every expectation. After the disappointingly flat vibe of July’s AFL blockbuster at the MCG, I wondered if Australia’s major sports lacked atmosphere. But this game obliterated that doubt. Of the two great codes I’ve sampled, NRL is the clear winner for sheer excitement and crowd energy, and even non-fans would be swept away by a night like this. Brisbane heads to the Grand Final, and I leave Lang Park convinced: rugby league, at its best, is one of Australia’s great sporting spectacles.