Narrandera Sportsground has long been considered the home of the Riverina Football and Netball League, and annually hosts the competition’s grand finals and the occasional AFL preseason match.

In fact, since 1982, Narrandera Sportsground has hosted all but three deciders, with the 1998 grand final between Wagga Tigers and Turvey Park and the 2016 grand final between Wagga Tigers and Leeton-Whitton moved to Robertson Oval.

In 2020, the Riverina Championship was run during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the grand final was again held at Robertson Oval.

Saturday will be the first time that Riverina League grand finals have been played since 2019, marking a welcome return to Narrandera Sportsground.

Narrandera Shire Council’s Open Space and Recreation Manager, Roger Evans was proud of Narrandera Sportsground’s good reputation amongst RFL clubs and the general Riverina footballing public.

“We’ve been hosting the RFL grand finals for as long as I can remember,” Evans said.

“Only once while I’ve been here has it been moved and it was during that exceptionally wet season and that’s when it went to Wagga.

“The history of the venue is a big reason why it is played here, plus it is central to most of the Riverina Football League clubs

“The spectators want to spectate here, and the clubs want to play here, plus there is that rich culture and history here and we are very proud of that.”

Having the Sportsground and netball courts ready for the grand finals doesn’t happen overnight, with the ground staff working hard outdoors on the football oval, while Narrandera Stadium Manager, Lee Longford will make sure all the prep work is completed ahead of Saturday’s five netball deciders.

“There is definitely a lot of pressure and responsibility put on the venue,” Evans said.

“Our staff take it in their stride, and their attention to detail is second to none.

“They definitely take pride in it, and they know what standard they want the facility to be at, and you can see that every time it is used.”

Evans expects a good crowd to be in attendance for the eight grand finals on Saturday, and he said spectators would be greeted to a good day watching football and netball.

“It’s probably one of the best spectator venues around,” Evans said.

“Spectators get a terrific view from right around the banked ground, and with the new clubhouse open, there is plenty of room around the bar, and it makes for a great area to watch football.”

Action kicks off at 9am tomorrow, and everyone is welcome to come down and enjoy an entertaining day of RFL grand finals.