NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has told the Continuous Call Team that while all signs point to a Suncorp Stadium grand final, it’s not a fait accompli.

“Everyone wants certainty and it’s nice to lock these things away ages in advance, but we’re not in that position. We’re watching things very carefully. It’s not finalised but we hope to finalise it very soon.”

As for the finals series, Abdo said “while we’re in Queensland, it’s a wonderful opportunity to think about taking these games to the fans, particularly in regional areas.”

Abdo acknowledged the effect COVID has had on the  competition, including the NRLW, which has been delayed to the start of 2022.

“We genuinely did consider all possible options to play the competition this year. Everyone is committed to the NRLW. (A 2022 start) is going to be a watershed moment in terms of our female game. 2022 looks to be incredibly exciting. Up to eleven months of football. We’ll have the NRLW at the start of the season, we have the State Cup competitions running, the State of Origin, and then we’ll play the 2022 NRLW in September and October, potentially an expanded competition with more teams.”