The 2017 NRL Grand Final is here, and for Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys fans and sympathisers it is great, but it is only one of three games in long, long day of Grand Final activities. Too long some could argue as the actual Grand Final game should be played in a more traditional (read: popular with most of the population except Channel Nein) time.
So to fill in the gaps in the day we suggest some ways to put a little extra in your day this Sunday with our 2017 NRL Grand Final Day Entertainment Guide.
And no, we’re not talking about entertainment in the form of the actual musician, we’ve already discussed this and how terrible a selection Macklemore is in a previous article here, it’s more about what else you can do across the while game day to spice things up. Especially for those who aren’t fully emotionally involved in the game.
WHEN ARE THE GAMES ACTUALLY ON?
A question that gets raised every year, so here is the 3 Game Lineup for the big day. As far we know it anyway.
Not forgetting about the change of Daylight Savings down in NSW.
UNDER 20’s NYC GRAND FINAL
1:30pm NSW (12:30pm Cow) – Manly v Parramatta
NRL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
3:30pm NSW (2:30pm Cow) – PNG Hunters v Penrith Panthers
Find out 5 reasons why the Hunters can win the State Championship.
NRL GRAND FINAL – Storm v Cowboys
Sometime after 6:30pm NSW (Good Luck) – After the news which will have 15 minutes of Grand Final stuff, Macklemore, Retired Players parade, Gus Gould, mildly interesting interviews, less interesting analysis.
USE OUR QUIZ TO DETERMINE WHO YOU SHOULD SUPPORT AS A NEUTRAL
Earlier in the week we developed a way for any NRL fans not a Cowboys and Storm supporter to do a quiz to determine their temporary allegiance for the day. Each question leans you towards the Storm, Cowboys or officially neither.
Try it now.
THE 2017 NRL GRAND FINAL NEUTRAL SUPPORTER QUIZ
And while you’re here, why not try the AFL one too. And then double them up in a multi.
THE 2017 AFL GRAND FINAL NEUTRAL SUPPORTER QUIZ
PARTY GAMES
It’s not all about the actual game of rugby league, but what you do on the side whilst the game is on. Here for your consideration is our selection of 2017 NRL Grand Final Day Party Games.
PNG HUNTERS SIX GUNS SALUTE
The PNG Hunters have been a great success story in 2017 with their Minor Premiership and Intrust Super Grand Final Win featuring Willie Minoga, so why use their hype and feel good factor for an NRL Grand Final Day Party game.
It’s reasonably simple to follow. You will need to have some way of drawing the 17 Hunters players out of a hat, and each person playing the PNG Hunters Six Gun Salute game needs to pick up 6 Players. You then cross off a box every time they take a hit up or any kind of run. First player to cross off all 36 squares wins.
It’s a great way to get into the PNG Hunters-Penrith game, and a chance to get to know the Hunters.
Get you game card at the end of our 2017 NRL Grand Final Day Entertainment Guide below.
MACKLEMORE BINGO
An easy one for those interested enough in listening to the “entertainment”. Each person interested needs to pick three songs, and the first one who gets all three songs correct can high five themselves and declare Mackleless Bingo.
CHANNEL NEIN COMMENTARY JERK OF THE NIGHT
Ray “Rabs” Warren is often described as the Voice of Rugby League. That doesn’t mean he is very good. And the same can be said and more for the Channel Nein Commentary team. But it’s all we have on Sunday.
Most rugby league fans will be slumming it for the actual 2017 NRL Grand Final game, having only had to endure the State of Origin series with the 24 Hour Fox League Channel. So most will be highly critical of the dribble and bias. So why not turn that turd filled negative into a positive, and fun for all the family.
The game is simple, everyone grabs a piece of paper a writing instrument and writes down each commentators name, and when they say something biased, terrible, annoying, still moan about Queensland winning origin, start the tedious Rabs-Gus arguing couple banter, Paul Vautin tries his hardest to show he’s not biased towards Queensland, give the commentators involved a cross for each crime. Then at the end of the 80 minutes or extra time, add up all the crosses and see who the Ultimate Channel Nein Commentary Stinkbag is for 2017.
We will, as ever, be providing our Nein Commentary Ratings after the game, so keep those scores close and come back on Monday to compare.
DRINKING GAMES
When all else fails you could turn to alcohol, but we have a few things up our sleeve yet.
BETTING
Nothing can add interest into a sporting event in which you barely care about the end result than a little responsible gambling.
Not just for the big game, but a few ways you can stretch your betting and entertainment dollar for the NRL Grand Final.
But with so many markets and options to be on, we suggest a few of our favourites for our 2017 NRL Grand Final Day Entertainment Guide Wagering Advice.
STANDARD MULTI
Start off with an easy one, there’s three games, so pick three winners.
Here’s our selections for those interested.
PARRAMATTA to win, PNG HUNTERS +4.5 start, COWBOYS +10 start @ $5.20
TRYSCORERS
Some people go for the first tryscorer bet, but that could be over in the first few minutes of the game. So we recommend the last try scorer option which could happen in the 78th, 68th or the 8th minute. Value for money we say.
Our last try scorer selection: Kyle Feldt (Cowboys) $15.00
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDAL
One of the more popular betting options, but one with little value. It will go to someone obvious, more than likely Cameron Smith so $2.75 doesn’t inspire to get involved. If you think someone outside of the Storm’s big three or Michael Morgan then good luck to you.
Our selection: How about Will Chambers for value @ $51
NOVELTY/OTHER BETS
Most metres gained – The Beast v Others.
Jason Taumalolo (The Beast) minus 100 m @ $3.25 v Josh Addo Carr $3.50 v Scott Bolton $4.50 v Suliasi Vunivalu $4.50 v Billy Slater $5.50.
Our selection: Josh Addo Carr
Will there be Extra Time?
Yes $23.00 No $1.00
Our selection: Yes, who would bet on anything paying $1.00
To Lead at Half Time and Lose
Melbourne $14.00 Cowboys $8.00
Our selection: Cowboys
To Score Two or More Tries
Favourite:Suilasi Vunivalu @ $3.60
Our selection: Kyle Feldt @ $15
BETS THEY MISSED
Time of actual kick off.
Net Gain / Loss after 1st Point of Impact from 1st hit up.
Time of first Rabs-Gus argument.
REFRESHMENTS
Like to have a beverage with your rugby league? Why not have a themed drink with your afternoon of viewing.
Great Northern Beer – for all Cowboys supporters
Carlton Draught – for all Storm supporters.
SP Lager – the Official Beer for the PNG Hunters
OAK – proudly supporting Penrith, who says it needs to be a beer.
Raw Onion – the official choice of Tony Abbott’s Manly
YOUR PNG HUNTERS SIX GUN SALUTE SCORING CARD
Print your card, select your Six Hunters and tick the box when they hit it up.
