The NRL has ruled out easing travel restrictions, despite Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart's call for them do so.
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Stuart was hopeful the Green Machine would be allowed to stay in Sydney the night before their grand final rematch against the Sydney Roosters - potentially at the SCG - on July 16.
But they'll be catching the bus up and back on the Hume Highway on game day - just as they have done for three of their past four games.
That constant travel has taken a toll on the Raiders, which Stuart put their second-half against the Dragons - where they let in 16 unanswered points in the narrow win - down to.
But there were no plans for the NRL to change their strict protocols, which prevents the Raiders from staying in a hotel the night before a game.
It's a rule designed to limit the players' interaction with the general public.
"The are no plans to change travel guidelines. Our protocols are based on the advice of bio-security experts and we will continue to follow that advice," an NRL spokesman told The Canberra Times on Sunday.
Stuart had hoped the protocols might be eased by the time they next hit the road.
He gave his players the weekend off after they played at Canberra Stadium on Friday night - the first of two home games in a row.
It was also the first time they'd played at Canberra Stadium since round one in March.
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"We're at home next week. Hopefully there's slight improvements to the protocols," Stuart said.
"Maybe we start getting closer to travelling the day before and staying the night in a hotel, I don't know.
"I haven't spoken to anyone about that, but it would be great to see some protocols relaxed around travel in the coming months or so.
"Again, we're very appreciative the game is actually happening. They're doing a good job of it, we're all out there playing and doing what we love."
The Raiders are looking for their fourth straight win over the Melbourne Storm when they host them at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.
It would be the first time the club has achieved that feat since the Storm joined the NRL in 1998.
But all three of their current winning streak over the competition benchmark have come in Melbourne and they've lost their past two against the Storm in Canberra.
The Raiders' 22-6 win over Melbourne in round three was a breakout game for halfback George Williams, with the England international setting up two tries in the impressive victory.
Williams said while that performance gave him confidence, it didn't guarantee he would do it again.
"Maybe, but every game is different. It doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to have a great game when we play next time," he said.
"We'll prepare like we did last time. We prepared for Melbourne and expected the best of them.
"It's going to be a great contest, they're coming off a great win [against the Roosters] and I'm sure their confidence will be high coming to play us on the weekend."
NRL ROUND NINE
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm.