NRL chiefs have taken the decision to suspend the competition in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They had continued to play on - taking round 2 behind closed doors.

However, the scale of the crisis and the updated situation meant a decision had to be made to protect the safety of the players.

NRL chiefs said they will do their best to keep all their 16 clubs viable - but there will be some tough decisions with the "cost base being re-set" with pay cuts likely across the board.

In the UK, the RFL and Super League took the decision to suspend the game at all levels last week.