The NRL Players' Association is hoping to sit down with league heads in order to smooth over the competition's pre-season COVID-19 protocols as players look to seek a way through their work-life balance.

All 480 players are required to avoid indoor venues such as restaurants, cafes and shopping centres in order to combat contracting the disease from a public outbreak.

These stricter protocols were introduced ahead of the new year, with players taking their frustrations to social media.

"WTF? Double-vaxxed to just stay the same?," Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell recently wrote.

NRL Rd 6 - Rabbitohs v Warriors
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 19: Latrell Mitchell of the Rabbitohs looks on during the round six NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the New Zealand Warriors at Bankwest Stadium on June 19, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Backlash from the playing cohort has led Rugby League Players' Association to seek critical discussions with the NRL in order to find common ground on COVID-19 protocols ahead of Round 1.

RLPA boss Clint Newton told AAPย that NRL chief Andrew Abdo must be open to negotiating new guidelines.

"We have the tools at our disposal to create a safe workplace and we want to get things in a position where players can live their lives like the rest of the community," Newton said.

"COVID-19 protocol restrictions are something players are frustrated with and we share those frustrations with the players, particularly in situations when they have been implemented without players being consulted and properly communicated with.

"This gives us a great opportunity, which is what we've requested from Andrew Abdo, is to get together now.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 03: Blake Taaffe of the Rabbitohs is seen wearing a face mask as he walks on field before the 2021 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on October 03, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

"The importance of protocols over the last two years are not in dispute. This is now about the restrictions that are over and above the community.

"Players rolled up their sleeves and got the jab and I don't think what the players are asking for are outrageous requests. Given the fact how much compliance falls on players, giving them a forum to ask questions is paramount."

The NRL is currently battling with growing case numbers across the competition as clubs look to return to training this week.

More than 100 players are understood to have contracted the virus, with sides looking to find the best avenue in easing back into momentum ahead of the new season.

Clubs are preparing to be without players throughout the home and away season as the nation continues to battles with record case numbers.

"We have been talking among a few of theย coaches and medical staffs and we reckon we will have to be without three to six players most weekends if the current trend continues," an unnamed coach recently told Wide World of Sports.ย