The ARL Commission believes fans will be the big winners from the decision to shift the final round clash between Parramatta and St George Illawarra to ANZ Stadium.

Thanks to the intervention of the NSW state government which helped broker the switch, a crowd in excess of 40,000 is anticipated for what will be the NRL farewell of Eels duo Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt as well as Dragons pair Dean Young and Ben Hornby.

All tickets to Parramatta Stadium were sold out earlier this week, but ARLC interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said now no fan would be denied the chance to farewell the four club greats.

“These guys should be playing in front of 40,000 people at a big stadium like ANZ Stadium,” Mattiske said.

“What going to ANZ Stadium does for us is it means all fans of the game can get there.”

NSW Minister for Sport Graham Annesley – a former first grade referee and administrator with the NRL – said he was pleased he play a role in making the move happen.

But there has already been a backlash from Eels fans not happy that Hindmarsh and Burt won’t get the chance to play one more game at their home ground.

“I always expected there would a reaction from people who already had their tickets, but the fact is this a great outcome for the game,” Annesley said.

“It’s going to give all fans from both clubs an opportunity to be there and give these great stalwarts, one club players who have given their careers to these clubs, the best possible send-off.”