The rivalry between North Sydney and Newtown for The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final is heating up with Bears captain Kurt De Luis and Jets skipper Billy Burns urging their passionate supporter bases to win the battle of the fans at CommBank Stadium on Sunday 29 September.
Tickets are on sale for the 2024 NSWRL Grand Final Day with the deciders to be determined for three NSWRL Major Competitions, The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup (3pm kick-off), Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership (1pm) and Jersey Flegg Cup (11am).
Early ticket sales have been promising with North Sydney currently edging ahead of Newtown and Burns was quick to call on Jets fans to “outnumber” the red and black army.
“It definitely inspires us, just the chanting when things might not be going the right way,” Burns said.
“It can definitely change our attitude and give us a bit more momentum.
“I think there will be be a few Norths fans there but we want to outnumber them. We want all Jets fans to get down there, show their support, it definitely helps so the more the merrier.”
De Luis said the support from the Bears faithful was just as important to his team.
“It’s always awesome to see the members and fans turn out during the year, but especially when we make the Grand Final,” De Luis said.
“I remember last year running out at CommBank and there were thousands of them up there on the hill. We just love and are really grateful for their support, nonetheless Jets are out there in numbers too, so we’ve just got to make sure our fans are all out there supporting the boys.”
The Bears, who last won a NSW Cup premiership in 1993, also made the decider of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup last year only to fall short 22-18 against South Sydney Rabbitohs.
De Luis said the team, which is bolstered by the inclusion of NRL players including Joe Chan, Dean Ieremia, Bronson Garlick and Tepai Moeroa, was keen to go one better in 2024.
“We’ve spoken about this all year, it doesn’t matter who joins us, the Bears skeleton remains the same,” De Luis said.
“It’s in our DNA in North Sydney that we’re a tough, gritty team, who want to play for one another.
“There were times during the year we were stretched and went through adversity and different circumstances, but nonetheless we’ve come back, we’re here now and we haven’t done it the easy way.”
There has been little between the two teams this season with the Bears winning 16-12 in Round 15, the Jets returning serve 18-8 in Round 23, before the Bears won 18-16 in the Major Semi-final to book their place through first into Sunday’s Grand Final.
The Jets last claimed a NSW Cup title in 2019 and Burns said they were expecting another tough contest against the Bears on Sunday.
“Norths are going to be gritty, they’re going to be tough, they’re going to try and slow play it,” Burns said.
“It’s a different brand of football these days, everyone wants to play fast so I think if we get our game on we definitely put ourselves in a good position to get the win for the fans.”
The NSWRL Grand Final Day will start with the Jersey Flegg Cup (Under 21s) between Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
The Bulldogs are chasing back-to-back titles and secured their spot with a hard-fought win 15-14 win over Minor Premiers Canberra Raiders while the Sharks earned their place after finishing the season in fifth place and surviving three sudden-death finals against Newcastle Knights (22-6), Penrith Panthers (40-26) and the Raiders (38-18).
The Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership will be an-all regional affair with the Newcastle Knights up against the Illawarra Steelers. The Knights scored a surprise 20-18 win over Minor Premiers Wenty Magpies to book their spot, while the Steelers were too strong for Mounties 30-16.
Tickets for the NSWRL Grand Final Day start from as little as $5 for juniors (15 years and under) and concession card holders, $10 for adults and $25 for a family of four. Fans are reminded they must pre-purchase tickets from Ticketek as there will be no tickets on sale at the venue.
Click here to purchase tickets for NSWRL Grand Final Day
2024 NSWRL GRAND FINAL DAY SCHEDULE
11am: Jersey Flegg Cup
1pm: Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership
3pm: The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup
