September 30, 2025 — 11.58am Save Advertisement ARLC chairman Peter V’landys confirmed a return to a day-time grand final will be discussed as part of the next broadcast deal as the NRL revealed it would use artificial intelligence for the first time to compile its 2026 draw. Sunday afternoon finals football has been a ratings bonanza, sparking fresh debate about whether the decider should return to a family-friendly day-time slot. The Broncos-Panthers preliminary final attracted a total national reach of 3.113 million on Nine, making it the No.1 program for the day in Sydney and Brisbane. Nothing will change until the current broadcasting contract expires, meaning the grand final will kick off at 7.30pm for the next two years. However, negotiations for the next TV deal will include the prospect of playing the marquee match earlier in the day. “It’s certainly part of the consideration,” V’landys said. “I think it’s proven that Sunday afternoon football is very successful. “We looked at it last year and I said to our management team, we’ve got to move to Sunday afternoon [for finals]. They all looked at that strange, but the beauty about Sunday afternoons, it’s a premium time. “It’s also clean air, so you’ve got nothing else on at that particular point in time. Our games have been so good that it’s attracted more people in the prime time. “All credit goes to the players, and they’ve lifted to a level that is unbelievable. Some of these games and the efforts they’ve put in are extraordinary. Advertisement “The thing is Sunday afternoon has certainly proven to be a winner, and we’re going to have to convince a lot of people, including the broadcasters, that Sunday afternoon was the way to go. Now they’ve seen it for themselves, it might make it a bit easier.” Could we soon see a day-time NRL grand final? Credit: