Fans could be isolated in different parts of stadiums - and even locked out altogether - under contingency plans being developed by the NRL as it braces for the coronavirus outbreak to spread further.

The governing body is leaving nothing to chance with its risk minimisation strategy for the global health crisis, and will rely on the federal government to decide whether NRL matches are played in empty or sparsely populated venues.

NRL chief operating officer Nick Weeks has been sending almost daily emails to all 16 club chiefs with the latest coronavirus updates and guidelines and there is now less than a week remaining until the season begins with Parramatta and Canterbury to play at Bankwest Stadium next Thursday night.

A leading executive from English Premier League football club Everton has warned it is "inevitable" matches in one of world sport's most lucrative competitions will be played in front of no fans "within weeks" and pre-game fair play handshakes have already been banned there from this weekend.