The 2016 NRL Grand Final Day is almost here, and like most rugby league fans we sort of can’t wait.
It should be a great day out for fans of the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks. But what the hell are the rest who follow the other 14 teams meant to do on 2016 NRL Grand Final day?
Especially at the fan friendly and traditional kick off of 6:30pm.
Who do you support? Why should you care? How can we make it a better experience?
Well, as ever The Gurgler is here to answer the question very few are asking with our 2016 NRL Grand Final Guide for Neutrals.
MUST INCLUDE – HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016 NRL GRAND FINAL DAY
ROY & HG ARE BACK – After proving they still have plenty to offer sports fans, the dynamic duo of Roy and HG are back to do what they do best. Make a game you really don’t care about twice the entertainment value and more. Some speedy and careful work on the pause button on both the laptop and Foxtel remote will have you synched up for the goodness. It may take a bit of back and forward between the two but the reward is well worth it.
Here is a fine article from our friends at The Roar explaining more and how to find them.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Now that the NRL has included the rest of the country by creating the State Championship – the playoff between Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup and NSW’s Intrust Super Premiership. Finally the bosses worked out that very few gave a flying f*** about two Sydney teams playing for a premiership. It is in it’s third year, and the first two have gone to Queensland clubs.
Snobs will say who cares, and it’s only second tier rugby league. First of all, they are jerks. Secondly, they are the type of people who say that State of Origin wouldn’t work. Thirdly, they are probably from NSW and don’t win anything. Finally, they are wrong. These sides could compete in the NRL and probably finish above Newcastle. It also gives Queensland another chance to beat NSW at rugby league. Burleigh will take on Illawarra Cutters.
A full preview will be available at Nothing But League soon enough.
UNDER 20’s
Like back in the day when your admission included a grass hill, a can of full strength beer and three grades of football, Sunday’s 2016 NRL Grand Final day kicks off with the young’uns.
Always a fascinating clash to the players who we should be following in case they make it. Also great for fans of teams who didn’t make the big dance for the NRL. No better time to jump on a bandwagon like Grand Final day.
BETTING
With so many options, what better way to care than a responsible wager on the events. Take a triple game multi.
PREFER OTHERS – THINGS TO AVOID ON 2016 NRL GRAND FINAL DAY
EXCESSIVE CHANNEL NEIN PREVIEWS, REVIEWS, ANALYSIS, and well, EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE GAME
For Fox Sports snobs like us, it will be only the fourth or fifth (if were unlucky) game we’ve had to sit through on Channel Nein. Apologies for those around us who will no doubt have to withstand a barrage of why Fox Sports is far superior, and why Channel Nein are so bad. So best to do yourself and your family and friends a favour and avoid as much of the 2016 NRL Grand Final coverage on Channel Nein as you can.
2016 GRAND FINAL ENTERTAINMENT
Most Australian Sporting Grand Finals musical line up are underwhelming and 2016 is no exception. Local hero Keith Urban, someone or something called Orianthi and former husband to Melrose Place star Richie Sambora are the line up. Talk about giving back to the fans.
We admit to having complete ignorance to who Orianthi is, and not sure what Richie Sambora does these days. Keith Urban will have followers, and at least a dozen of those will be able to name one of his songs by name. unlike most Australians.
DRINKING AND EATING TOO MUCH TOO EARLY
Given the awkward kick off time, best to behave yourself early or miss a great grand final. Although, given the way Melbourne play, maybe more food and alcohol will be required.
MEH – SO WHO SHOULD A NON GAMBLING NEUTRAL SUPPORT?
Below we set out some suggestions on why you should or shouldn’t support either side
REASONS TO SUPPORT MELBOURNE
- One for the Queenslanders – as they have plenty of Origin stars
- One for the New Zealanders too, with a few Kiwis including Test Captain Jesse Bromwich
- Melbourne wingers Try machine Suliasi Vunivalu & Power House Marika Koroibete
- The exciting Cameron Munster
- You hate Sydney
REASONS TO SUPPORT SHARKS
- If you want to barrack for a Sydney side to save the sanctity of the NRL and the Sunday 4pm game.
- They are the Underdogs
- They haven’t won a premiership and so deserve one after a few near misses, including a draw.
- Excitement machine Ben Barba
- They play better footy than Melbourne
So that’s 5-5. Now onto the negatives….
REASONS TO NOT SUPPORT MELBOURNE
- Their grappling, wrestling, and other crimes in slowing down the play the ball that have wrecked rugby league
- They are boring to watch
- You have an unnatural hate of the City of Melbourne
- They produced the awful people associated with the Real Housewives of Melbourne.
- Salary Cap scandal
REASONS TO NOT SUPPORT SHARKS
- Paul Gallen
- Andrew Fifita
- Michael Ennis
- They produced the awful, awful The Shire,
- Peptides scandal
So it is 10-10 at the end of our analysis, so flip a coin, have a responsible wager, or don’t care at all.
SO WHEN IS THE STUFF ACTUALLY ON?
1:35PM 2016 Holden Cup Grand Final Sydney: Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters
3:40PM 2016 State Championship Grand Final Sydney: Illawarra Cutters v Burleigh Bears
6:30PM “Entertainment” commences
7:15PM (plus change) 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Sydney: Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks
BET EARLY, BET OFTEN – BETTING ON THE 2016 NRL GRAND FINAL DAY
When all else fails, a wager is a way for a neutral to care. And that is exactly what we plan to do.
Here’s is a list of our tips, and other interesting bet type that you should get involved in.
MAJOR MARKETS
Melbourne $1.84 Cronulla $2.06
Melbourne (-1.5) Cronulla (+1.5) @ $1.92
Melbourne (1-12) $3.00 (13+) $4.50
Cronulla (1-12) $3.10 (13+) $5.00
LAST TRY SCORER (Both Sides)
Why bet on something that could be over in minutes. Wager on something that could happen at any time, and not by the usual suspects.
FAVOURITES: Vunivalu $8.00, Holmes $10.00, Koroibete $10.00
WE SELECT: Will Chambers @ $13 or Tohu Harris @ $26
40/20 KICK
FAVOURITE: No $1.17
WE SELECT: Yes $4.50
COMPLETION RATES
MELBOURNE: Over / Under 82.5% @ $1.87
CRONULLA: Over / Under 79.5% @ $1.87
WE SELECT: Over and Under respectively
HALF WITH MOST TRIES
1st: $2.45
2nd: $2.10
Tie: $4.25
WE SELECT: Tie
TIME OF LAST TRY
75th minute or earlier: $1.65
76th minute or later: $2.20
WE SELECT: Later
2016 NRL GRAND FINAL DAY TREBLE
Penrith Under 20
Burleigh Bears
Melbourne Storm
$1 for $4.75
