“Constructive and co-operative” crisis talks between ARLC chairman Peter V’landys and Nine boss Hugh Marks have yet to help league's target of restarting the competition on May 28.

Nine-owned Sydney Morning Herald reported that the network's preference is for the 2020 season to be wiped as they aim to save funds during the Covid-19 epidemic. 

The network has reportedly told shareholders they believe they can save the bulk of the $125 million it pays the NRL a season if the competition remained dormant for the rest of the year. 

Following the large swipes aimed towards the NRL and their "financial mismanagement", they would also prefer to extend its contract for two years, though for a lot less than the current deal.

Yet optimism in mending the fractured relationship is still a priority for rugby league's premier competition.

“He (Marks) put his position to me, I put my position to him," said V'Landys. "We’re not that far apart.

“We’re a little bit apart, and that’s what you do in negotiation and you try and get to the position where everyone’s happy with.

“And the next step now is to get our other broadcast partner, Fox, and we’ll sit down and work out the way forward not only for this year but for the future."

In contrast though, the Daily Telegraph reported some NRL clubs are prepared to support the governing body should Nine stand their ground on axing the 2020 season.

For financially struggling clubs, a resumption of the season is vital to secure their viability, and clubs are reportedly prepared to fight dirty if push comes to shove.

“I’ve read a couple of stories and spoken to a couple of officials that say if it really gets down and dirty here — and we hope it doesn’t — (but) if it really gets in the gutter then they would be urging their members not to watch Channel 9,” Telegraph reporter Dean Ritchie told Sky Sports Radio.

“Nine’s playing hardball here. They believe the money that they’ve outlaid for 2020, they won’t recoup it. They’re in financial troubles like a lot of other media companies.

“They’re trying to salvage what they can. But trying to hold the NRL to ransom and in effect to punish the crowds and the fans isn’t going to work. There’ll be a backlash here against Channel 9.”

According to The Australian, the NRL has now acquired a $250 million loan from London-based investment firm Oakwell.

This will ensure the code's finances remain solid after broadcast revenue dried up when the competition halted after round two.