The NRL is hopeful the 2020 season will resume in June, but is open to restarting the competition as late as August and playing the Grand Final close to Christmas.
All options are being considered after head office was yesterday forced to suspend the season after just two rounds due to the impact of Coronavirus.
A meeting with all clubs was held today in which a potential start date of early June was discussed. If that happened and the full season took place, in would mean a Finals series in November and a Grand Final in early December.
If the season started any later than June it would most likely be shortened dramatically.
However, if no play can get underway by September 1 the NRL would most likely abandon the 2020 season.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said it was an important time for everyone in the game to come together.
“The impact of this decision on those who work within rugby league will be significant. All we can do as a sport, and a community, is remain united and follow the expert advice to keep ourselves and our families safe,” he said.
“So, while we cannot say with certainty what the future holds, I know the rugby league community as a whole will work through this as a team.
“We are all in this together and we will get through this together.”
It is understood clubs will continue to receive their financial grants from the NRL over the next few months.
Meanwhile, the Weekender understands Penrith players have been sent on four weeks’ leave while the future of the NRL is determined.
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