Queensland government hopes Canberra Raiders fans honour border restrictions for NRL preliminary final

That's what faces any Canberra Raiders fans who decide to run the gauntlet and break the Queensland government's border restrictions for the NRL preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm.

Everyone who flies up for the grand final qualifier at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night is required to fill out a Queensland border declaration stating they haven't been in a coronavirus hotspot in the 14 days preceding their visit.

NSW is considered a hotspot given there's more than 24 active cases, which - as The Canberra Times revealed - means anyone who went to the SCG for the Raiders' semi-final victory over the Sydney Roosters wasn't allowed to go to the preliminary final.

It also means anyone who lives across the border in Queanbeyan or the surrounding NSW regions can't go without spending two weeks in quarantine - or the ACT - first.

When asked whether they were concerned some people might break the rules, the Queensland government said most people obeyed.

But there were heavy penalties for those that didn't - ranging from a $4000 fine up to six months in prison.

Anyone who travels to the game and then develops symptoms of the COVID-19 virus will be required to do two weeks' quarantine at their own expense.

"Our border restrictions and quarantine requirements are in place to slow the spread of COVID-19," a Queensland Health spokesperson said.

"We understand this can be difficult for many, but it is necessary to save lives.

"The vast majority of people understand the reasons for Queensland's border restrictions and seek to comply with them."

MORE RAIDERS NEWS:

The Raiders have a strong following in Queensland, given their strong links to the banana state.

Green Machine legends such as Mal Meninga, Gary Belcher and Steve Walters, plus current star Josh Papalii, all came from there.

The Raiders have 1197 members based in Queensland with the Canberra supporters bay already sold out on Friday night.

The Raiders will fly up on Friday morning and spend the afternoon relaxing in a Brisbane hotel before heading to the ground.

It's the same formula that proved highly successful ahead of the 22-18 victory over the Roosters.

They'll have the same 17 players available with Papalii (ankle) and winger Jordan Rapana (sternum) declaring themselves fit despite picking up knocks in the semi.

That includes prop Sia Soliola, who the Queensland government have given a medical exemption from having the influenza vaccination - a requirement for NRL players to train or play in the state.

Papalii and Joe Tapine were given exemptions earlier in the season.

NRL PRELIMINARY FINAL

Friday: Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, 7.50pm.