With 40,000 people expected at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium for the NRL grand final between Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers, fans are being urged to plan for a COVID-safe commute.

Allow plenty of extra time to travel on Sunday, wear a mask, and make sure to distance yourselves from others, Transport for NSW warns.

“If you are able to, we urge you to drive, walk, cycle or catch a taxi or rideshare to see your team play in an effort to reduce numbers on public transport,” chief operations officer Howard Collins said in a statement.

“If you must catch public transport make sure you plan ahead and please maintain physical distancing, sit or stand on a green dot, practise good hygiene, use Opal and contactless payments where possible.”

Parking at Olympic Park will be discounted to a flat fee of $20 to encourage fans to drive.

Crowds are also encouraged to arrive early for the pre-match show, and to stay for post-match entertainment to ease pressure on stadium exits and public transport.