Crowds were down but security was up at Allianz Stadium in response to heightened terrorism fears across Australia.

NRL officials would have to be concerned at the poor turnout of 18,355 to what should have been a massive occasion - an elimination final between the exciting North Queensland Cowboys and defending premiers the Sydney Roosters on home soil at Moore Park.

Mounted police outside Allianz Stadium on Friday night. Credit:Cameron Spencer

Given league attendances have been down this year, it's debatable whether the government's recent talk of possible terrorist attacks in Sydney would have had a significant effect on crowd numbers.

However, there's no doubt those in attendance would have noticed a more intense security presence at Allianz Stadium from police.