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'Reduced risk': New restrictions to allow 40,000 fans at NRL finals

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·3-min read
Roosters captain Boyd Cordner and coach Trent Robinson, pictured here after the 2019 NRL grand final.
Roosters captain Boyd Cordner and coach Trent Robinson celebrate victory in the 2019 NRL grand final. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

The NSW government has announced new restrictions for the upcoming NRL finals series, with as many as 40,000 spectators allowed at matches.

Under the new rules announced by the NSW government on Thursday, the state’s major venues will be able to operate at up to 50 per cent capacity from next month.

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It means the NRL’s finals will be played in front of the biggest football crowds in Australia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ANZ Stadium will be allowed 40,000 fans at matches, including any finals games, the October 25 grand final and State of Origin II.

The SCG can have crowds of up to 23,000, while Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta will be able to accommodate 15,000 spectators.

Fans will have to wear masks on entry to the stadium but can take them off once in their allocated seat.

As part of the protocols, spectators will sit in zones with different entry and exit areas, as well as hospitality and amenities for each zone to prevent spectators mingling.

Ultimately, it means crowds at ANZ Stadium will be the biggest in Australia since 86,174 crammed into the MCG for the women's Twenty20 World Cup final in March.

86,000 fans, pictured here at the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup final in March.
Over 86,000 fans attended the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup final in March. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Gladys Berejiklian gives tick of approval

“A large venue as long as it has seats and zones ... is able to be a controlled event,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Thursday.

“And given it is outdoors it reduced a further risk.

“Out of everyone around the table I am probably the least likely to support anything like this unless I am sure and convinced it has been backed up by health advice.

“And it’s for that reason it has been.”

Suburban grounds such as Panthers Stadium in Penrith and McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle are still yet to be cleared and will remain at 25 per cent capacity.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, pictured here as she addresses the media in Sydney.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian addresses the media in Sydney. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

However there is a hope that will change by week one of the finals, with Penrith expected to host Parramatta at home.

“We're hopeful we'll be able to get to those venues opening up to larger capacities,” Minister for investment and tourism Stuart Ayres said.

“All have hills, we want to be able to make sure we work through what it the most appropriate way to open up that venue.

“Optimistically I would like to say they will be open for the 1st October, but we won't be putting people at risk.”

The increase comes as Suncorp Stadium is also expected to be able to hold crowds of 25,000, with Melbourne's home finals matches to be played at the Brisbane venue.

Canberra have doubled their capacity at GIO Stadium from 3000 to 6000 this weekend, but are likely to ask for a further increase for a home final.

with AAP