The decision to relocate the Cronulla Sharks' home elimination final this weekend mirrored challenges faced by clubs operating smaller stadiums.
With crowds and television viewership on the rise, hosting finals at a venue with a 13,000 capacity is not viable.
While this choice strips the Sharks of their home-ground advantage, the NRL's determination of better conditions for fans and broadcasters overrides fairness.
This was anticipated when the NRL regained control over stadium policies for finals earlier this year.
Other clubs, too, playing in suburban grounds, might face similar disadvantages.
The Sharks were the only team in Sydney with a small ground hosting a final, which simplified the NRL's decision-making.
If the Manly Sea Eagles, St. George Illawarra Dragons, or Wests Tigers had sought to host a game, complications would have arisen due to their also limited stadiums.
Even without those scenarios, questions lingered about the appropriateness of using Parramatta's CommBank Stadium for major matches involving teams like the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters.
With complete authority over stadium allocations, the NRL could have shifted the Panthers to larger venues like Homebush for better attendance.
Both the Panthers and the Roosters seek a week off after solid seasons, and their fans are expected to turn out in force this Sunday.
Attendance has been robust, notably for the Roosters, since their move to the newly renovated Sydney Football Stadium.