The days of the casual neutral fan getting excited about the grand final are long gone. Ticket prices mean only fans of each club go these days, and with how frustrating the NRL is to watch with what referees have done to it most can only stomach watching their own side play, so picking a 2nd team once you side is out doesn't happen anymore.
It rates just because it's an event. The emotion of it is long gone if your team isn't involved IMO.
Only game that could get a neutral excited would be a Cinderella story, like the Cowboys or better still the sharks making it to the GF