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Penrith have enjoyed the best season in their NRL history, but just like the home-and-away campaign, the grand final won't be the money spinner it should be.

There's never a bad time to go on a record-breaking NRL winning streak but if Penrith could have their choice of years they wouldn't pick 2020.

"We've said that a number of times in board meetings," director and club legend Greg Alexander admitted to AAP.

Call this the year of missed opportunity for the Panthers, and all due to COVID-19.

Penrith management estimate that crowd restrictions and the flow-on effect at their leagues club has cost them about $2 million this year.

And that's just on game day.

One of the hardest hit clubs during NSW's full shutdown, the closure of the Panthers' five leagues clubs for two months cost the organisation $28 million.

Since the NRL's restart, Penrith have lost just one match and were the only Sydney club to sell out each of their home games at a reduced capacity.

Initially fans were locked out completely before 4000 were allowed to attend each home game for the rest of the regular season.

Compare that to when the club regularly pulled in excess of 20,000 on their way to the 2003 title.

"Prior indications of everything is when you've got a winning side you normally get 16,000 to 18,000 at the ground," CEO Brian Fletcher said.

"And winning 17 straight you would've got it every home game.

"I reckon it costs us around $200,000 a game - $100,000 at the game in ticket sales and so forth, and $100,000 back at the club after."

Penrith will, however, survive the season better than most with no job cuts.

Their success has kept sponsors on board, while they should secure more free-to-air TV spots next year.

But it still doesn't mean they won't cop another hit on what should be their biggest weekend of the year with Sunday's grand final against Melbourne.

Only 1800 members will be allowed inside their leagues club this for the match, with 300 of those at a private function.

"If you wanted to get into the sports bar you'd nearly want to queue overnight," Fletcher said.

The club will put the game on the big screen at the ground, but must make it a ticketed event as per NSW Health guidelines.

Players won't head back for a public party on Sunday night, and while a fan day is pencilled in for Monday - if they win - it must be ticketed with no selfies or autographs.

All of which costs money.

"But if you win on Sunday, none of that matters," Alexander said.

"For the time being anyway, until the dust settles.

"Then you go geez, we've got some money to make up."