The NRL's road to resumption has hit another roadblock, with broadcast partner Channel Nine describing the proposed May 28 restart date as "premature".

Just 24 hours after ARL commissioner Wayne Pearce boldly declared the NRL season would "definitely" resume on May 28, the code's free-to-air partner has slammed the brakes on plans that have 16 clubs preparing to return to training in just over a week's time.

Channel Nine CEO Hugh Marks, ARLC chairman Peter V'landys and Foxtel boss Patrick Delany. Credit:Louise Kennerley, Getty Images, James Brickwood

"Although we agree constructive discussions have been held between the NRL, Nine and Foxtel, we feel it's premature to be confirming a start date at this stage," a Nine spokesperson said.

"There is a great will to work together to an outcome but a lot of work still to do. A deal needs to be completed and the structure of the competition locked, which importantly must include how it will operate within the health-and-safety standards currently affecting the community."