Canberra Raiders final gives ACT economy a $3 million injection

The Canberra Raiders will travel to Sydney on Wednesday to prepare for their first grand final in 25 years and they're leaving a trail of green dust for businesses.

It is estimated interstate Raiders and South Sydney fans spent more than $3 million at ACT restaurants, hotels, pubs and clubs for a historic preliminary final last week.

It was the first time in history the club has been allowed to host a grand final qualifier, with 26,576 packing into the stands.

Ticket sales show 40 per cent of the crowd traveled to Canberra for the game, injecting an estimated $1.87 million into the economy.

The formula, which is used by the ACT government to determine the financial benefit of major events, also revealed an extra $1.25 million impact from Raiders members.

The NRL is yet to decide if Canberra's preliminary final hosting rights will be permanent, or just until Sydney's stadium overhaul is complete.

"You're representing your city and there's a sense of pride in that," said Raiders boss Don Furner.

"Whether you're a died in the wool rugby league supporter or not, this is the team that represents your city.

"I do think you get a lot of those supporters that do want to be proud of their city. And we are."

It was estimated the preliminary final generated almost four times as much money as a regular-season game and comes at a time when the Raiders are locked in negotiations about extending their stadium deal with the government.

The Raiders finals exposure will effectively be an ad for Canberra, with rugby league's media contingent converging on the capital on Tuesday to get a taste of green fever.

More than 2000 fans lined up to get into Canberra Stadium to watch the team train on Tuesday and video was beamed around the country.

The supporters will be at it again on Wednesday when they line the streets of Bruce to farewell the players when they board the bus to travel to Sydney.

The excitement has translated into a major economic boost for the city, with Raiders merchandise disappearing from shelves and fans travelling to see the players.

"One team towns are phenomenal, they really get behind their team and I don't think you get that in Sydney," Furner said.

"All of Canberra's behind us. That's fantastic, the players feed off that. Going out of town tomorrow will be fantastic.

"I would really love to see that stadium in Sydney to be painted green. It would embarrass the Roosters to have 70 per cent of the crowd Raiders and the way sales are going I think we'll dominate up there."

NRL GRAND FINAL

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium, 7.30pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.