The rest of the NRL regular season will take place in Queensland as New South Wales' COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate.
The NRL confirmed the news this weekend, announcing plans to take games to regional areas including Rockhamton, Toowoomba and Mackay.
Every NRL match has been played in Queensland since round 18 in mid-July following a COVID outbreak in Sydney.
All teams are currently based in hubs in either Brisbane, the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast.
Rockhampton will host a game in both Round 23 and 24, Mackay will host a game in both Round 24 and 25, while Toowoomba will host a game in Round 23.
Elsewhere, there will be two “mini magic” double headers at Suncorp Stadium in Round 23 and 24, Moreton Daily Stadium in Round 24 and at Cbus Stadium in Round 25.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the games would reward fans in regional Queensland for their ongoing support of rugby league.
“The pandemic is creating many challenges, but it is also creating opportunities," Abdo said.
"We’re really excited to be taking games to Rockhampton, Mackay and Toowoomba in the final three weeks of the regular season.
“Rugby league heartlands are right throughout regional Queensland.
"We have some of our most passionate supporters in these regions and we wanted to ensure we rewarded those fans with as many opportunities as possible to watch their heroes live.”
Abdo said the current COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales has made returning to the state in the short term unlikely.
The NRL is yet to make a decision about the grand final or finals series.
“The rising infection rate in NSW has made it impossible to return to NSW," he said.
"I want to thank the Queensland Government and their relevant agencies, particularly Queensland Health, for their ongoing support to ensure the season can continue safely in all communities.
"I also want to thank the various councils and local rugby league clubs for accommodating our competition at such short notice.
“What I’m most proud of during the pandemic is how the whole game has come together to ensure the continuity of the competition.
"I want to thank the clubs, the players and our broadcast partners who have ensured we can play multiple games at regional venues in the final three rounds. It’s ensured a great outcome for our fans.”
