The NRL were still in discussions with the Victorian government and were likely to give them the weekend to see if the MCG could still host the State of Origin series opener on June 9.

Melbourne's going through a seven-day lockdown due to a coronavirus outbreak, casting doubt over where the Queensland-NSW clash will be played.

The Maroons have reportedly made bookings in Townsville, but the NRL said no decision had been made on Saturday and wasn't likely to be finalised until Monday.

Victoria's infection rates will play a crucial role if the game was to remain in the southern capital, with five new cases recorded on Friday taking the total to 35.

NRL officials and staff haven't followed the Queensland lead by locking in accomodation in Far North Queensland.

The Canberra Times can reveal there has been secondary talks between the NRL and Canberra Stadium about shifting the game to the Canberra Raiders' home ground.

Venues Canberra staff got the impression the NRL were doing their due diligence on all possible venues.

Cost of hire, ticketing and food providers were discussed, but it's believed there were no final or best-price figures hammered out, which would have escalated talks to the ACT government ministerial level.

While it would indicate Canberra Stadium wasn't at the top of the NRL's list, it still hasn't been ruled out as a potential venue.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo indicated their preference was to play the game in Melbourne, but if it had to be moved then they wanted to keep Origin I at a neutral venue - bringing Canberra Stadium, Adelaide Oval and Perth Stadium into the picture.

The ACT government has ruled out paying an exorbitant amount to land the showpiece, although they could be open to doing deals around the cost of hiring the stadium - as well as paying transport costs for the Maroons and Blues.

They took a similar stance around hosting AFL games last year, which meant Manuka Oval lay dormant during the coronavirus-affected campaign.

But they did host a raft of Big Bash League matches - although there were no massive payouts made with Canberra simply playing a role in saving the tournament.

Last year, the South Australian government reportedly paid $6 million to host the Origin opener, only for the COVID-19 virus forcing a reduced capacity at Adelaide Oval - a game the Maroons caused a massive upset in on their way to winning the series.

Queensland would be the home team if Origin I was played at the MCG, which was why the Maroons hierarchy were looking at Townsville - while Canberra was surrounded by Blues heartland.