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As many as 12 non-Queensland NRL teams will head to the Sunshine State for at least a month from Wednesday. Jason Taumalolo’s Cowboys are one of the few teams set to stay put.Credit:NRL Photos

The NRL is likely to split the teams into three hubs,expected to be situated on the Gold Coast,Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. The clubs will each be allocated a region on Monday that will determine where they spend their time together for at least the next month.

The teams based on the Gold Coast will use Cbus Super Stadium as their home ground. The teams in Brisbane will use Suncorp Stadium and Sunshine Coast Stadium will be used for teams based in that region. The teams in each region are expected to share one hotel facility.

The only aspect of the NRL draw that will change will be the locations. The players,staff and their families will be in isolation for the first 14 days,and after could be allowed to roam freely if the Queensland government doesn’t have any COVID-19 restrictions at the time.

The clubs have also been told to brace themselves for the potential of the south-east Queensland bubble extending through until the end of the year,pending the COVID-19 situation in NSW.

Suncorp Stadium is likely to host what would be the first-ever NRL grand final staged outside Sydney.Credit:Getty

If the restrictions in NSW continue,the grand final could be played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. It would be the first time the NRL has played a grand final outside of Sydney.

When asked whether he could see some players not wanting to relocate to Queensland-based hubs,Sharks coach Josh Hannay said:“Potentially. “I wouldn’t assume that situation arising,but I also don’t know. If that was the case you could understand.”

“There’s so much uncertainty around at the moment and obviously family comes first. There’s going to be some delicate conversations in the coming few days and we’ll support any player who makes that decision.”

Cronulla players were only told they would be moving north of the border for the next month as they walked off the field after their20-12 win over the Warriors at Kogarah on Sunday.

Warriors coach Nathan Brown said it was “part of everyone’s journey” travelling to Queensland to keep the season alive. The Warriors have been based on the Central Coast for almost two seasons.

Earlier on Sunday,NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian was asked about the potential for the NRL to pick up and move the majority of their teams.

“I think at the moment it would be responsible for all organisations to limit activity in NSW,” Berejiklian said.

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