NRL enforces level four restrictions on players

The NRL has upped its biosecurity measures, putting players under level four restrictions amid the delta strain outbreak.

Nine's Danny Weidler reports the new level of restrictions will see players unable to have any visitors into their homes amid other stringent conditions aimed at keeping the game afloat.

The new restrictions will also see the return of the clean and dirty zones on game-day.

"When the competition resumes on Thursday night, players and officials will be under the same protocols as they were when the competition successfully resumed on May 28 last year,'' NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said in a statement released tonight.

"It's clear the virus is spreading quickly and these measures provide an additional safeguard to ensure the competition can continue.

"Our players, officials and clubs united last year to ensure no risk to the competition or the community and I have every confidence the same will apply as we work through the current challenges.

"I want to sincerely thank the players and clubs for the way in which they continually adapt to the changing COVID environment."

It comes as the league grapples with where to host the final leg of the 2021 State of Origin series.

With the centre of the recent delta outbreak in Sydney, it will be impossible to play game three in the city. But fans are still eager to see the fixture on home soil. Newcastle has been floated as a viable option.

NRL bosses reportedly spent today analysing options for the code's immediate future ahead of an important commission meeting on Tuesday.

Sydney clubs are still preparing to play games at home this weekend in front of no crowds.