Canberra coach Ricky Stuart says players can ill-afford to treat the next fortnight as a mid-season break before further lockdown measures potentially coming into play in the future.
As NRL players wait for more information regarding the competition's state of play and their own salaries in the short term, Stuart was mindful his Raiders squad required direction and clarity off the paddock first before knuckling down on their next training plans.
"We've looked at different programs for different scenarios, to even the extent of if there's no competition," Stuart told NRL.com.
"As time goes on over the coming weeks those scenarios and questions will have answers. We're certainly not going to look at it as a break because all players will want to do is keep fit and healthy and it's important they do.
"They've got family to care for in uncharted waters in times of the unknown and they've all got a situation with their salaries and facing a reduction.
"Hopefully next week there are some clearer waters and everyone knows where they sit in terms of salaries and their jobs."
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Stuart is expecting Australia to enter a full lockdown period in the coming weeks, possibly days, in a bid to limit coronavirus cases in the country.
In the meantime, he wants to reach out to as many of his players – either verbally or physically – to keep track with their individualised programs and offer support.
"I just want to make sure I can provide as much information as possible as it comes in to the players and staff," Stuart said.
"There will be a level of communication, what that might look like will depend on whether we all go into lockdown.
"It's a matter of when, not if, so we've got to be understanding of that situation. Once those restrictions are in place the government will be telling us what the regulations are so that will be another important time of understanding.
"There's a responsibility for everyone – from players and staff – that they keep themselves healthy in these times mentally and physically."
Diet is also among one of the biggest factors during the period of uncertainty, particularly fresh off a pre-season.
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Stuart has been particularly vocal in the past about some of his players returning to training following breaks out of shape.
"Everyone knows what the right choices are, it's just a matter of executing and applying them," Stuart said.
"We've all got to be disciplined and responsible."
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