NRL Rd 2 - Bulldogs v Cowboys
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Players run out to warm up in front of an empty stadium during the round 2 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium on March 19, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

In a decision designed to increase the potential capacity of the 2020 NRL Grand Final, the game has been moved from the SCG to the previously shuttered ANZ Stadium.

Following an agreement struck between the NRL and NSW state government, NRL.com announced on Wednesday afternoon that capacity for the decider will be set at 40,000.

NRL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Abdo was overjoyed when announcing the deal.

"ANZ Stadium is the biggest venue in NSW and that means more of our fans will be able to experience grand final day live,'' Abdo said.

"This year will be a historic grand final day. The teams competing would have overcome all challenges in front of them and we will experience the culmination of a season like no other.

"We can't wait to see 40,000 fans at the venue. Our fans have been so patient and loyal throughout the season and having crowd caps increase for the Finals Series is the perfect way to acknowledge that loyalty."

Despite his parties recent decision to demolish the venue, NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres claimed the city of Sydney and the home of the 2000 Olympic games were the perfect venues for this seasons Grand Final.

"ANZ Stadium has hosted many of Australia’s most iconic moments in sporting history and the 2020 NRL grand final will be among them," Minister Ayres said.

"I encourage NRL fans attending the grand final to stay COVID safe and make the most of the electric atmosphere in Sydney by making a weekend of it, booking a hotel staycation and getting out to enjoy the hospitality and attractions of the city."

Abdo continued by expressing his gratitude for state government's continued support of the code during Covid restrictions.

"I want to congratulate the NSW Government for the way in which they have managed the pandemic. Their contact tracing has been world class and has enabled a crowd of 40,000 to attend our grand final day," he said.

"We thank them for their support throughout the season and we will continue to follow all public health orders to ensure the general community remains healthy."