Footy Finals Fever once again a resounding success

Right from the start of the Grand Final Breakfast at 6am Thursday morning, right through to the post-final coverage, on Sunday night, Martin Place was swarmed with people enjoying the footy-related programming on the screen, NRL stands, interactive games, DJs, sausage sizzle, plus celebrity guests and live acts on the stage. On the Thursday, a boxing ring was set up in front of the screen, and fans were greeted to a very special guest appearance by world boxing champion Roy Jones Jnr. After the Grand Final Breakfast had finish, Jones, arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter ever, was interviewed by The Today Show in front of the giant LED screen, and then thrilled spectators with a training demonstration in the ring. He then signed autographs for fans around Martin Place.

But the boxing wasn't finished there...

Jones is here to fight Australia's very own Danny Green on December 2nd, and Green made an appearance to huge applause just before lunch. After an interview with the MC, which was transmitted live on the screen, he took part in a sparring session with his coach. After signing autographs too, he was then greeted on the stage by NRL CEO, David Gallop. As a long-time Parramatta Eels fan who actually trains with the team, Green was presented with a commemorative Eels guernsey. The afternoon culminated in a performance on stage by the Parramatta cheerleader squad.

The following day was just as eventful, with the action carrying on into a very hectic Friday in Martin Place, where it was full of people the whole day. The highlight was the appearance of former Australian Idol Wes Carr, who gave a performance to thousands in the early afternoon. The superstar blasted out a number of hits recent hits and new material to an enthralled crowd.

Saturday as ever was a busy shopping day in the CBD, and passers-by stopped to watch replays of last year's final and the preliminary finals from this season, bit of course the big day was Sunday, the Grand Final. Coverage on the giant screen began at 2pm with the live broadcast of the Toyota Cup between the Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm, with the side from Victoria edging the match with a 76th minute conversion from man-of-the-match Gareth Widdop, the twenty year old Englishman hailed as the next Billy Slater.

After an hour-long break followed the big one, the 2009 NRL Grand Final, broadcast LIVE at Martin Place direct from ANZ Stadium. Underdogs the Parramatta Eels, who scraped into the final eight on the last day of the regular season, took on favourites and former champions the Melbourne Storm. The visiting Victorian team took the game to the underwhelming Eels in the first half with two tries, and leaving the New South Wales team scoreless. Howver, strong words must have been said at half-time as Parramatta came back with three tries, including two in two minutes, but Melbourne, with two of their own, managed to hold on for a 23-16 victory.

Despite the rain and storms, crowds still gathered at Martin Place to watch the live coverage on the giant LED video screen located at the Pitt Street end of Martin Place, and many even hung around to watch the presentation of the trophy to the winning captin, and the man-of-the-match award to the outstanding Billy Slater. A great success for all concerned, and very much looking forward to a bigger, longer and improved event this year!