'A bit ambitious': Sports minister's reality check for NRL

The federal sports minister has labelled the NRL's planned resumption a "bit ambitious" and urged caution for all codes.

The NRL this week will forge ahead with their plans for a May 28 return, with meetings set with both major broadcasters on Tuesday.

'CATEGORICALLY NOT TRUE': NRL's defiant response to Channel Nine spray

'WE'VE GOT TO BE REAL': NRL great warns of 'health risks' in May 28 restart

BEST OF THE BEST: We pick our NRL Team of the 21st Century

But it has come amid debate over whether the sport can get back on the field so soon.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy warned on Sunday he thought it was "premature" to be planning a comeback amid the coronavirus.

And Sports Minister Richard Colbeck on Monday morning told ABC Radio that while he wanted to see leagues return as soon as possible it had to be within reason.

"I think it's a bit ambitious to be frank," Colbeck said.

"If you consider the advice that we are still getting from people like Brendan Murphy ... they're the people who I think should be providing advice on these things.

"I think we need to be really cautious about the circumstances we are in.

"Yes, we are doing extremely well at the moment.

"But once the health authorities that are giving us advice give us the signal, we can start to relax some of those things."

Colbeck's comments come after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Sunday that border restrictions would not be eased for NRL clubs.

It means the three Queensland teams will have to base themselves in NSW if they want to play this year, and would face a 14-day quarantine whenever they return home.

The NRL, meanwhile, has a letter from the NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller saying they can return behind closed doors on the proviso they provide a safe workplace.

Fuller has been given extended powers during the coronavirus and the document has a NSW Government State Emergency Operations Centre letterhead.

Players will abide by strict biosecurity measures while playing, including having their temperature checked at least three times on game day.

The NRL is confident the drop in the rate of new cases will ensure it is playing a safe environment when the game returns in more than six weeks.

However, both the NSW premier and health minister have said they are uncertain whether the game can resume.

In contrast, NSW deputy premier John Barilaro has strongly supported the NRL's push to resume and even offered to personally assist in the process.

NRL legend urges QLD-based players to go south

Maroons great Gorden Tallis is pleading with Queensland's NRL players to move heaven and earth to ensure the competition resumes.

Even if that means moving away from their families.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has made it clear she is not a fan of the NRL restarting on May 28, reminding the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans they are not exempt from quarantine laws.

Palaszczuk says players from the three Queensland clubs will not be permitted to travel back and forth to Sydney to play games under current restrictions, declaring they would be subject to 14-days' quarantine any time they return to the Sunshine State.

It means the only way that Brisbane, North Queensland or the Gold Coast could participate in the competition as it is currently envisaged would be if they remain in camp south of the border.

Tallis, who famously sat out the 1996 season in support of Super League and his commitment to the Broncos, said the current-day players must also be prepared to make sacrifices for the greater good of the game.

"Mate, I'm prepared to drive down to come and sit on the couch (to be on Fox League Live)," Tallis said.

"The players, they've got to do whatever they've got to do to get paid, to make sure the competition goes ahead. Simple as that."

The NRL had hoped interstate teams would be able to travel for games and training using chartered planes.

"They would not meet the criteria (to cross the border)," said Palaszczuk, adding it will be a "long way before lifting restrictions" in Queensland.

"And, secondly, we need to make sure we have clear health advice.

"And I say to all the sporting organisations: let's just take a break. Let's get this 'flattening the curve' under control.

"And then we can talk to the health officers about getting advice. Let's not rush this. Let's take it slowly."