Rugby League players using regional areas like Albury as a base during coronavirus restrictions will not put those communities at risk, the NSW Deputy Premier says.
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Melbourne Storm is investigating the use of using the Albury Thunder facilities in the event the NRL can re-start its season on May 28, keeping all matches within NSW.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said yesterday this would come under the category of "work" as an exemption for players and officials being out of their homes.
"The NRL is putting forward a proposal to consider and the experts will assess that," he said.
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"It's about the protocols and measures that will be put in place to one, protect players and two, of course the community.
"People are allowed to travel to the regions to work, so if you look at the sport of the NRL, it is an industry, it is a job for those players, it is work-related."
His message for others was still not to travel to regional and rural areas.
"But in a contained environment, using enclosed and closed facilities like sport and rec centres, you have an ability actually to manage the risk," Mr Barilaro said.
"There are a lot of naysayers, a lot of obstacles, but as the Deputy Premier I'm helping and working with the NRL to find solutions.
"I think everybody would be keen to find solutions to all the industry issues that we are facing."
