What times does the 2022 NRL Grand Final start? Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers starts late

Debate has erupted about the start time for the NRL Grand Final, but Sunday night’s blockbuster between Penrith and Parramatta is officially scheduled for 7.30pm.

The league has previously been criticised for the start of the game being delayed in recent years and there are corporate betting agencies that have the start time listed at 8pm, despite the official time saying otherwise.

It comes as debate exploded this week about a push from fans to move the grand final to an afternoon slot. Matthew Johns got the debate rolling when he said he wants the league to return to a day-time grand final, similar to the AFL.

Sunday’s western Sydney showdown marks the first time the Eels and Panthers will come up against each other in an NRL grand final.

Penrith are hunting for a second-consecutive premiership while the Eels are searching for their first title since the 1980s.

NRL Grand final schedule

1.20pm — NRL State Championship, Panthers vs Devils

3.55pm — NRLW Grand Final, Knights vs Eels

6.30pm — Jimmy Barnes headlines pre-match entertainment with Diesel.

7.30pm — NRL Grand Final, Panthers vs Eels

Panthers team

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. J’maine Hopgood 21. Sunia Turuva 22. Chris Smith

Eels team

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Nathan Brown 15. Jakob Arthur 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore 18. Bryce Cartwright 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Tom Opacic 21. Ofahiki Ogden 22. Ky Rodwell

Odds

Panthers — $1.38

Eels — $3.10

* correct as of September 29

Pre-match entertainment

Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes headlines the grand final pre-match entertainment, and will be joined by DIESEL, Josh Teskey and Emma Donovan. Sheldon Riley, Mahalia Barnes and A.GIRL.

Alinta Chidzey will sing the national anthem, while Australian hip-hop legends Bliss n Eso and JOY will perform during a tribute to retiring players.