ARL Chief Peter V'landys and NRL CEO Todd Greenberg have announced that rugby league's premier competition has been stopped due to the effects of the coronavirus. 

The game was left with, "no other option" as an alarming rise of the disease spiked throughout the weekend forcing states across the nation to shut its borders. 

“We were alarmed at how this changed in 24 hours. Today it took a dramatic turn,” V’landys said to a press conference.

The NRL according to reports had come up with various plans to try keep the game going, such as possibly dividing teams into conferences or even shifting the entire competition to Calliope in country Queensland.

But ultimately, the advice of Federal Government chief medical officer Brendan Murphy and particularly Queensland closing its borders forced the governing body's hand. 

"Listening to the expert today, it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better", V'landys later added during his interview on NRL 360.  

“We’re looking at a lot of different options,” he continued.

“Our primary objective now is to get the game back on as quickly as possible.

“I must stress that the health of our players will be foremost in our minds with any decision.”

The biggest fear surrounding the competition halting is the future of the code's clubs. 

The NRL has already reached out to the national government and will continue to do so as they seek financial assistance to help soften the blow from the possible loss of television revenue and matchday gates. 

The Daily Telegraph reported that Penrith Panthers will possibly lose $40 million over the next six months. Whilst a heavy cloud covers both Manly Sea Eagles and Cronulla Sharks, two sides already battling financial issues long before the effects of COVID-19 were even felt.

As we enter uncertain times the rugby league community anxiously waits, for not when the NRL will resume, but if it will survive.