BY JARROD MELMETH
Police are warning those from the Greater Sydney region will be caught if they attempt to enter State of Origin III in Newcastle.
The game was moved to McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday due to the extension of Sydney's strict COVID-19 lockdown.
Fans located in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will not be permitted to purchase tickets.
Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey says there will be a large police presence in and around the stadium.
"I know people know about certain exemptions around drinking and eating, that has to be active.
"You can't sit there with a beer between your feet and watch the footy with your mask off. We are not going to allow it.
"We will be moving through the stadium in large numbers and if you don't comply you will get a $200 ticket.
"But the big message is do not come if you are from Greater Sydney," Supt. Humphrey said.
A petition which has been launched online calling for the game to be cancelled has reached almost 3,000 signatures as of Friday morning.
The game will be played in front of a 75 per cent capacity allowing up to 20,000 fans to watch the game live.
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| Pictured McDonald Jones Stadium Venue Manager, Dean Mantle and Superintendent Wayne Humphrey. |
