The NRL faces a challenge regarding the 2028 Grand Final due to the unexpected scheduling of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Sydney.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Pope is set to be in Sydney during the October long weekend in 2028, where he will conduct a papal Mass.
This event is scheduled for Sunday, which coincides with the public holiday weekend typically reserved for the NRL grand final.
While the Mass is anticipated to take place at Royal Randwick, concerns have arisen regarding policing capacity and the ability of Sydney's transport infrastructure to manage both large crowds simultaneously.
Approximately 400,000 attendees are expected for the Mass at Randwick, adding to the logistical challenges.
Discussions are ongoing between the NRL and the NSW State Government, as the Mass schedule is not yet confirmed.
Should the Mass proceed as planned, the NRL has a variety of alternatives to consider, with a final decision anticipated in the coming months.
Importantly, the NRL has not secured a grand final venue beyond 2027.
Sydney narrowly avoided losing the grand final in recent years, and although a long-term contract was not established after negotiations over stadium funding, a short-term arrangement allows the NRL to explore selling the grand final to the highest bidder.