The NRL will introduce a personal touch to this year's grand final presentation with the winning coach to hand his players their premiership rings.
Ordinarily junior players fill the stage after the siren to present each player with their ring, after being congratulated by NRL officials
However the current environment has forced a change in 2020.
For the first first time since the rings were introduced after the Super League war, rings will be handed out by either Ivan Cleary or Craig Bellamy to their winning team.
It's understood the NRL had initially considered having them just given out in the sheds after the match.
However that had been met with some opposition from the clubs, prompting a late change on Thursday night.
The trophy will still be presented like usual, with the winning captain lifting it off the dais.
Dignitaries will be on stage as in previous years, but there will be no handshakes as part of the COVID-safe environment.
The NRL's prize money has also been reduced in 2020, halved from $400,000 to $200,000 as a result of the pandemic.
The lap of honour will also look a little different.
Players will be reminded to remain 1.5 metres from fans, although there will be no barriers to prevent them going closer.
Ordinarily, players are able to launch themselves into the crowd, take high fives and pose for selfies in the final act of the NRL season.
Inside the sheds, it will open up somewhat.
Each Penrith player was be able to have two family members tested for COVID-19 on Friday, and they will be allowed to enter post-match provided they return a negative result.
Melbourne won't be afforded the same luxury, with Queensland government officials only allowing those within their bubble to enter.
Family members have however been given an exemption to travel to Sydney for the match and return, as long as they isolate on their return.
Australian Associated Press
