Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has thrown his support behind the NRL doing whatever it can to keep the game alive as his side prepares to face New Zealand on Saturday.
As the game battles to stay operational amid the looming threat of the coronavirus pandemic, all scenarios are being examined to keep some version of the NRL on the field as long as possible.
Stuart said he liked the grit being shown despite the dynamic nature of the situation but also acknowledged maintaining the health of staff and players was critical.
"I think it's important the NRL keeps working as one towards keeping the game alive.
"I like the attitude Peter V'landys is showing to try and keep it as business-as-usual.
"The one thing with rugby league it teaches you how to handle a bit of adversity.
"I don't think people understand the repercussions if the game is suspended for the season if we're not playing the repercussions are dire."
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Raiders players are staff are being kept up to date with the latest news around the pandemic, which has forced the cancellation or suspension of major sporting competitions around the world.
"We're no different to any other business from plumbers to bricklayers to bankers, we're in a business that need us on the field so we need to do whatever we can do to be on the field," Stuart said.
"We had a meeting with our doctor yesterday and he gave us some advice on how we are living our lives and making sure we can do whatever we can to keep safe.
"I say the health of safety of everybody, not just the players, in the business is paramount."
The NRL is looking to charter a plane for the Raiders to fly them to the Gold Coast for their clash with the Warriors in a bid to lower the risk of contamination.
Stuart expected his players to take this week in their stride just as they did for round one, when they produced a nearly perfect opening 20 minutes to their season in their win over the Titans.
"It was satisfying to see how the players handled that because right up until 2 or 3pm we got a message saying it was game on as usual and fans allowed in," he said.
"It was wonderful to get the 10,000 people to GIO [Stadium] because it was very much the unknown.
"But the players got there with a professional approach and started very well."
Stuart confirmed Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jarrod Croker (HIA) will be right to play while Joe Tapine escaped suspension after being placed on report for an apparent shoulder charge in round one.
As for playing in front of no crowd at Cbus Super Stadium, Stuart said he would have to wind back the clock to the last time he had such a small audience for a game.
"Probably for the Queanbeyan Blues at Yass for the 8.30am game in the middle of July," he joked.
"Had to move the cows off the field before we played, actually there were probably more people there that game than there will be this weekend."
