NRL clubs will be allowed to have patrons in corporate boxes at matches in NSW stadiums from next Thursday.
The state government ruling brings stadiums into line with the pubs and clubs, who can have up to 50 people per room at the ratio of one person per four square metres.
It means each corporate room will be able to have one person per four square metres from next weekend, with up to 50 people allowed per box.
Venues such as Bankwest Stadium have multiple boxes and lounges that can be split into different sections on top of their corporate boxes, meaning the number of attendees could be able to climb much higher.
The move will allow club sponsors to return to matches, with the ruling applied only to food and drink areas such as corporate suites.
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The rules will only apply to NSW-based matches but ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys is still hopeful of club members then being able to return as part of capped crowds from July 1.
"We're very pleased the government have corrected the anomaly, because this was allowed in pubs, clubs and racecourses but not sports stadiums," V'landys said.
The news comes as a big win for struggling clubs, who are doing their utmost to fulfill sponsorship deals through the coronavirus pandemic.
The Newcastle Knights face fellow unbeaten side and flag fancy Canberra Raiders at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday.
The Knights will call the Gosford venue home for the next six rounds with venues for all games from round 10 yet to be locked in.
HOME VENUE ALLOCATIONS UP TO ROUND NINE
Western Sydney Stadium - Parramatta Eels, Canterbury Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Cronulla Sharks, Sydney Roosters
Campbelltown Stadium - Canberra Raiders, Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers
Central Coast Stadium - Newcastle Knights, New Zealand Warriors, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Suncorp Stadium - Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans
Townsville Stadium - North Queensland Cowboys
Melbourne Park - Melbourne Storm
