Increased police presence this weekend

Footy fans heading to the NRL preliminary finals can expect to have their bags searched as NSW Police continue their show of force as part of Operation Hammerhead.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Fuller on Friday said police will be highly visible over the weekend but the fewer bags people bring the easier it will be to get into sporting venues.

"At the end of the day, you will be searched and some people can expect in some cases there will be longer queues as a result," he said.

Operation Hammerhead, now in its second week, is made up of about 220 specialist officers.

Police say their increased numbers are about encouraging people to continue with their daily lives.

"It's about presence, it's about being seen," Mr Fuller said.

"It's about reassuring the community we're here to help."

Mr Fuller said police will also be able to draw on extra resources, including mounted police and dog squad.

"This is not a joke from our perspective, it's not a publicity campaign," Mr Fuller said.

"This is really about ensuring a high level of public safety and reducing public fear."

Police have also been patrolling mosques to head off any reprisals from last week's anti-terror raids.

Thousands of fans will be heading to Homebush on Friday and Saturday nights for NRL preliminary finals.

South Sydney Rabbitohs face the Roosters at ANZ Stadium on Friday night and the Canterbury Bulldogs come up against Penrith Panthers on Saturday.