Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith wants the NRL competition to be suspended for at least two weeks so the game can catch its breath and figure out how to best deal with the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Smith, who is also the general president of the Rugby League Players' Association, was strong in his comments after Melbourne started their season with a win over Manly on the risk coronavirus presents to players and their families.

"This thing is bigger than rugby league. I know there are a lot of decisions to be made around our sport from the administration but this affects more than just rugby league and rugby league players," Smith said.

"After we finish these matches on the weekends, we then return to our families.