The NRL is about to learn the true ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic with clubs set to undergo widespread testing of players for COVID-19.

In a move that could bring the competition to a grinding halt, the Herald can reveal clubs will be issued with test kits in coming days.

The move follows a meeting between NRL bosses Peter V'landys and Todd Greenberg and NSW health minister Brad Hazzard earlier this week.

The minister's advice was that the NRL should source an independent pathologist so test results can be returned faster than the normal waiting time of the general public. The NRL is paying for its own testing.