NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has outlined the governing body's plan to get through the season without having to reschedule matches due to COVID-19.
He maintains the NRL is aiming the make restrictions in 2022 "as light as possible" so players and officials can enjoy a sense of normality.
While the A-League, AFLW and NBL have recently been forced to postpone fixtures, Abdo is determined for the NRL to manage the risks and push through the year largely uninterrupted.
"Our goal this season is season continuity," Abdo said on Thursday at the NRL's grassroots season launch.
"Rescheduling those games is very complicated, particularly for a contact sport that has turnaround periods for teams.
"The disruption that causes to the football is like a domino effect that we want to avoid.
"And the way to avoid that is rapid testing, number one.
"Number two, thinking innovatively and (having) flexibility around squad sizes, around travel arrangements and around making sure clubs are ready with sufficient depth.
"I think the clubs that manage their rosters strategically this year are definitely going to be at an advantage in a long season where we can expect some disruption.
"If we have to reschedule games we will, but we're planning for other mitigants to ensure that hopefully doesn't happen."
Abdo said the game would consider allowing clubs time to draft in players from their feeder clubs if necessary.
After a meeting with the Rugby League Players' Association on Wednesday night, Abdo reiterated the NRL's intention to ensure players can live comfortably under virus protocols.
Vaccinated players are currently banned from attending indoor venues like pubs, nightclubs, restaurants and cinemas but are able to eat outdoors at establishments, provided table service is offered.
"We want to make the conditions as least restrictive as possible," Abdo said.
"We are looking at it actively and we'll adjust those, but that's a call for the (ARL) Commission to make because it's a policy decision.
"Ultimately, the game has to take a leadership position, as we've done in the last two years, and sometimes make calls.
"Those are not always the popular calls but they're always in the best interests of everyone overall.
"We certainly are looking at it and we certainly understand the concerns of those who are impacted by the protocols... There's been a request for players to be able to enjoy going to cafes and restaurants with their families, which I think is absolutely reasonable.
"That's before the Commission and we'll give some more clarity over the next couple of days."
Meanwhile, Abdo said he remained "hopeful" of the Warriors returning across the Tasman to play at home in June after New Zealand announced its plan for reopening borders.
How exactly the Warriors, who have set up camp at Redcliffe, may be impacted this year is yet to be confirmed.
