Penrith Panthers drew first blood as the South Sydney Rabbitohs hit back in the NRL grand final on a historic night for the code.
The NRL decider is being played outside Sydney for the first time due to coronavirus, forcing thousands of fans to watch at home.
Panthers centre Matt Burton was the first to find the try-line in the 18th minute after back-to-back sets before halfback Nathan Cleary converted to give Penrith an early 6-0 lead.
Rabbitohs hit back minutes later with playmaker Cody Walker scoring under the under the posts.
The try was converted to level the scores.
A sell-out crowd 39,000 footy fans have packed Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium after 13,000 ticket-holders were locked out earlier in the week due to the Queensland's latest Covid-19 outbreak.
There is plenty of support for both Sydney clubs in the stands as thousands of footy fans donning team jerseys, flags, face masks and banners arrived in their droves.
Many took advantage of a pop up clinic set up outside the ground to help boost the state's lagging vaccination rates.
The pre-match entertainment line-up The Stafford Brothers, Kate Miller-Heidke and Aussie rock icon Ian Moss divided social media.
The Rabbitohs kicked off after the Panthers won toss and elected to run towards the northern end of Suncorp Stadium in the first half.
Country music singer and Souths fan Missy Lancaster hopes to be toasting a 22nd premiership later on Sunday night
Fans have already arrived at Suncorp Stadium for Sunday night's NRL grand final
Club mascots Paws and Reggie Rabbit briefly put their fierce rivalry aside to pose for photos together and mingle with fans
Queensland rugby league supporters arrived at Suncorp Stadium in good spirits, despite going for rival clubs
Penrith Panthers fans show their support before the 2021 NRL Grand Final match at Suncorp Stadium
This Penrith Panthers supporter enjoyed a pre-match refreshment prior to grand final kick off
Players from both clubs arrived at the stadium 90 minutes prior to kick off.
Earlier in the day, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed she'll attend and issued a warning to other footy fans amid
