The alternative proposal is a two-conference system, splitting the competition in half, although it seems likely that system will begin with both conferences playing out of Sydney. After high-level discussions between the NSW government and NRL powerbrokers, Sydney-based players will be allowed to remain at home when the competition resumes, which was well received by the RLPA, whose members were reluctant to undergo solitary confinement. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro claimed rugby league can “start the process of recovery” for the nation. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says the NRL the tonic the country needs. Credit:Kate Geraghty “The NRL is the tonic we need to get through this virus,” he told Channel Nine’s Chris O’Keefe . “It’s easy to say why we can’t do things. We’ll take advice from the health experts, but the reality is that we’ve seen in racing, and in other sectors like construction, that cases have come down …

“For me, the NRL is an opportunity as a state and nation to start the process of recovery. I can assure you that we want to work with the NRL. Government has a role here. I’ve had a conversation with the Premier that if the NRL can put forward it’s measures, it’s protocols, we will work with them to get through this season.” Border restrictions will see the North Queensland Cowboys, Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors move to Sydney for at least two weeks, potentially at Olympic Park. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video It is hoped they may be able to return home and resume travelling interstate on chartered flights on game day in mid to late June. The Knights and Raiders are expected to stay in Newcastle and Canberra respectively and travel to Sydney on game day.

The Warriors, who will be given exemptions to travel restrictions by the New Zealand and Australian governments, will likely have to isolate together for 14 days, but they will be able to train. The NRL is optimistic of the competition returning on May 21, although May 28 seems the more likely of the two dates. Broncos and Cowboys players could be asked to base themselves in Sydney under the proposal expected to be approved on Thursday. Credit:AAP Delicate negotiations between the governing body and its broadcast partners were held this week and will continue, with State of Origin now firming to be played in the traditional mid-season format. If the NRL succeeds in its plans for a May return, the grand final will be played in its traditional time slot, the first Sunday in October.

Loading Twenty-four hours ago, the NRL was preparing to isolate teams in a western Sydney bubble. The coaches' representative on the NRL innovation committee, Sydney Roosters mentor Trent Robinson, had a phone hook-up with some of his counterparts on Wednesday and informed them of the strict measures that were likely to be put in place in a bubble precinct. But those plans have been significantly affected by the state government’s most recent assessment of the crisis. The government has expressed its confidence in the NRL to respond to any changes in the health situation. A secondary outbreak could see the NRL return to the bubble model later in the year, although the advice it has received predicts the daily increase in COVID-19 cases will be less than 1 per cent by the time of the NRL's planned return in mid-May.

The NRL is hopeful that by mid-June all states will relax their restrictions and it will be able to return to playing games at venues around the country, albeit without crowds in attendance. Teams could be free to return to training as early as the end of this month. PROPOSAL ONE: 15-ROUND SEASON PLAYING EACH OTHER ONCE Competition start: May 21 or May 28 Games played: 2 (competition points will stand).

Games remaining: 13. Location: All teams based in NSW until border restrictions are lifted. Restrictions: NSW and ACT-based players to remain living at home. Remaining five teams to reside in NSW hotel until border restrictions are loosened. State of Origin: Most likely to be played in middle of season. Finals structure: Traditional top-eight format with potential for wildcard weekend before finals.

Grand final: Early October. PROPOSAL TWO: TWO-CONFERENCE SYSTEM Competition start: May 21 or May 28. Conference one: Bulldogs, Eels, Tigers, Sharks, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Rabbitohs, Roosters. Conference two: Broncos, Dragons, Titans, Cowboys, Storm, Knights, Warriors, Raiders.

Games played: 2 (competition points will stand). Games remaining: 14. Each team in conference plays each other twice. Location: All teams based in NSW until border restrictions are lifted. Teams will then travel interstate on game day if required. Restrictions: NSW and ACT-based players to remain living at home. Remaining five teams to reside in NSW hotel until border restrictions are loosened. State of Origin: Most likely to be played in middle of season.