NRL Grand Final madness swept through Sydney over the past weekend, where the accommodation sector was the true winner.
Local fans may not be happy about an NRL grand final with no Sydney teams, but the influx of interstate supporters kicked several home goals for accommodation hotels during the sports-centred long weekend.
Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said hotel bookings for the long weekend were strong, with 85 percent of all rooms in Sydney already booked out. “September was another strong month for Sydney hotels, with occupancy averaging 80.2 percent, about 15 percent higher than the same time last year, but this weekend is set to be even bigger,” said McBride.
“The combination of a long weekend with school holidays, several festivals and NRL fans flying in from Melbourne and Brisbane means the 15 percent of rooms still available booked out quickly.”
McBride added that if people weren’t quick enough, their chances of getting a hotel room were about as likely as it was that an NSW NRL team would be playing in the final.
McBride said thanks and recognition should go to the NSW Government for continuing to invest in major events, which ensured the hotel and tourism sector thrived.
“Our hotels continue to reap the benefits of major events, from the Sydney Marathon to the NRL Grand Final and this weekend’s festivals,” said Ms McBride.
“They consistently fill hotel rooms and deliver millions into the NSW economy,” she said. Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said the overall September figures were encouraging, considering the current economic climate.
“The latest figures show that demand remains strong and Australians are still travelling despite economic pressures.”
The 2025 NRL Grand Final took place at Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday night, where the Brisbane Broncos came from 22-12 down at half time to win over the Melbourne Storm 22-26, claiming the title for the first time since 2006.
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