NRL CEO Andrew Abdo admits the 12 clubs moved to Queensland due to the COVID-19 outbreak in NSW will probably play out the season in the Sunshine State.

The 12 clubs, which includes the Central Coast-based Warriors, Canberra, Newcastle and the 9 Sydney teams will all be north of the border by Wednesday – the same day Queensland and the Blues play State of Origin Game III on the Gold Coast.

“We’re locking in some certainty for the next four rounds,” Abdo said on Fox League.

“That buys us some time to figure out how the situation unfolds in NSW.

“If we need to extend to the end of the season, then we will, we know that we have the capacity to absorb that.”

It comes as Kiwi superstar Shaun Johnson called for the NRL to move the competition to New Zealand.

“Comp should re locate [sic] to NZ. Play right up and down the country. Players/ staff are in a bubble already so no COVID. Reward the Wa’s for their sacrifice. NZ would love it. Think I’m onto something here.”

The Melbourne Storm will remain in Victoria and are hopeful of playing at AAMI Park this weekend.