NRL's Project Apollo had already announced that they had made positive steps forward with their ambition to resume play in late May.

A growing issue for the governing body since coronavirus halted its competition has been their increasingly fractious relationship with chief broadcaster Nine. 

The network had already blasted the code's management of funds, and have now halted the NRL's momentum, believing it is too soon to expect May 28 for matches to resume. 

"Although we agree constructive discussions have been held between the NRL, Nine and Foxtel, we feel it's premature to be confirming a start date at this stage," a Nine spokesperson said.

"There is a great will to work together to an outcome but a lot of work still to do.

"A deal needs to be completed and the structure of the competition locked, which importantly must include how it will operate within the health-and-safety standards currently affecting the community."

Yesterday, head of Project Apollo Wayne Pearce announced that the NSW government had agreed to allow the league to continue after easing their various health and safety concerns. 

Clubs had already been told to brace for the resumption of training on May 4, but Nine's latest concerns may derail that target.