The directive will see all junior and senior community rugby league suspended until May 1, while the state body's major competitions will be placed on hold until May 31.

The IRL was this year elevated to major competition status following last year's NSWRL-CRL merger, making the first-grade competition subject to the same restrictions as the elite second-tier Canterbury and Ron Massey Cups.

Those competitions, as well as the NSW Women's Premiership, Jersey Flegg, Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups, Women's Country Championships and Men's Under 23s Country Championships - all currently mid-draw - are also subject to the May 31 directive.

NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said the recommendation, that came in consultation with the NRL, covers all rugby league matches, trials, training, courses and other club activities in NSW.

"Above all else, our priority is to protect the health and safety of our players, officials, staff and supporters, as well as the broader community," Trodden said.

"The situation regarding COVID-19 continues to change daily and we are very mindful of the need to be prepared, and take the practical, necessary measures required to maintain hygiene standards. At the same time, we also need to remain calm, and not add to any sense of public panic.

"The NSWRL will continue to actively monitor the situation and is committed to making decisions in relation to COVID-19 and its impact on Rugby League activity based on the advice from the Federal Government and other medical experts."

IRL general manager Chris Bannerman said the board will consult with its clubs regarding start dates for all its competitions, with a view to getting a modified first grade regular season underway in June.

"That's what we'll be aiming for and I think everyone will still have an appetite to get out there and see some football played," Bannerman said.

"The bigger picture is we need to respect that we're a part of the solution and not going to be out in the community and doing something that's going to facilitate the spread of this virus. That's the first priority.

"All we can do is take the advice that's been handed out by the NSW Rugby League and work towards those dates as goals. We'll obviously talk to our senior clubs in the next week or two, understanding each of them could be affected in different ways.

"It's going to impact in terms of [loss of] gate takings, sponsorship given all organisations and financial partners that will be impacted by the wider situation. Apart from the competition side of things there are other questions that need to be answered before we confirm where we're heading.

"We need to talk to our clubs and all our stakeholders to understand where they all sit in the scheme of things."

The IRL is in a unique position given its first grade competition's elevation to major competition status requires first grade to comply with the May 31 directive, while its other senior grades could theoretically commence a month earlier in adherence to the May 1 commencement date.

"We should take it as a compliment that we've been invited into major competitions in recognition of what we've got down here but it puts us in a unique situation," Bannerman said.

"It's only us and Newcastle that are running all grades from reserve grade down under the community rules and then first grade under major competition rules.

"There's a level of common sense that had to be applied and, with particular regard to our first grade situation, people need to afforded a level of preparation.

"Training can resume after the first of May so the theory around those major competitions is giving them that lead-in time to prepare.

'They can re-assemble from the first of May and by the end of the month go back into competition if all is well."

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