To play, or not to play. That is the $33 million question.

Forget the Twenty20 World Cup and its implications for rugby league, because the NRL will be forced into a decision - as early as Monday - on the length of its season without knowing whether the cricket is on, off or postponed.

Whether it's a 17 or 20-round competition will come down to one fundamental question: what is more important, money or integrity?

The Roosters celebrate the 2019 grand final win. Credit:Getty

This column has been told by sources close to negotiations that at least one broadcaster, potentially both, has agreed only to pay for what was stipulated in the original broadcast contract, which was an NRL season that ended on October 4.