GROUP Seven Rugby League will split its grand final schedule over two days for the first time in the competition's history.
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After two straight seasons of having six fixtures on the one day, Group Seven operations manager Debbie Rowley announced on Monday the four men's and two women's competitions would be spread over two grand final days at Centenary Field - ending a six-year arrangement with the Collegians Sporting Complex.
On Sunday, October 18, the two women's league deciders, as well as the third grade grand final will be held.
Then six days later, on Saturday, October 24, the competition will stage its under 18s, reserve grade and first grade finals.
"As a group, we know how important it is to keep our crowds as safe as we can under these COVID-19 restrictions," Group Seven president Scott McLaurin said.
"By splitting up the grand final day, it will give more fans an opportunity to watch their teams on the day."
By having the matches at Albion Park-Oak Flats' home ground, Group Seven will be allowed up to 2000 in attendance during each match.
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"We have been working hard behind the scenes with the Shellharbour Council to get extra car parks made available, put in more gates and set the facility out into a COVID-safe environment," McLaurin, who has highlighted the group's zero tolerance towards referee abuse, said.
"It's obviously unchartered territory for us all but it's exciting we can still put on a grand final day for all the teams who qualify, which will, in turn, bring more money into all the clubs, after what has been a difficult year for everyone."
The 2020 Group Seven finals series will be the same as years past, with each of first grade's top five teams hosting a matchday, before the two grand final days.