Manly will meet with the NRL this morning to discuss a groundbreaking game in China, which has been pencilled in for round eight against Canberra.

The Herald understands the NRL are still weighing up whether to fork out up to $1 million for the game – scheduled to take place at Brookvale Oval on Sunday, April 27 – and will meet with the Sea Eagles to discuss the logistics of the exercise on Wednesday morning.

China-bound: The NRL could head overseas for its round eight clash between Manly and Canberra. Credit:Steve Christo

The NRL will also reveal the 2014 draw, which will see premiers Sydney Roosters do battle against the Sea Eagles in the grand final rematch on Friday, March 28 (round four) at Allianz Stadium.

But the draw’s biggest talking point will be whether the NRL are willing to take a match to Asia to promote the sport. The game against the Raiders in China has been scheduled on the week before the representative round, allowing both teams to recover from the nine-hour flight and time difference.