TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: A general view is seen before the start of the round three NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at QCB Stadium on March 28, 2021, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The NRL have locked in venues for Round 22, desperately seeking save the turf at both Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

After hosting almost all of the last two rounds between them, it's understood the turf at both of the major grounds is in need of some time off.

It means Suncorp Stadium will host just two games this weekend, both on Friday night as the Dragons play the Panthers and the Broncos take on the Roosters.

NRL Rd 4 - Broncos v Roosters
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: A general view of the stadium is seen before the round four NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on June 04, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast meanwhile will host just a single game, when the Rabbitohs take on the Titans in the early Saturday game.

It means the NRL has been given permission to hit the road again with the lockdown in south east Queensland lifting. The Sunshine Coast will host a pair of games, between the Storm and Raiders on Thursday and again on Saturday evening as the Eels and Sea Eagles face off in a critical clash.

The Cowboys will be able to host their game against the Tigers on Saturday in Townsville, although the NRL and Queensland government are likely to be keeping an eye on the current COVID outbreak in Cairns, just a few hours north of Townsville.

Sunday will see a doubleheader take place at Redcliffe, with the Warriors to host the Bulldogs in the early game, before the Sharks close the round against the Knights.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Tyson Frizell of the Knights celebrates the win with team mates during the round one NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Canterbury Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium, on March 12, 2021, in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said he was excited to see crowds return at 50 per cent capacity.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming fans back to our games in Round 22,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.

“I’m particularly excited to see Redcliffe hosting a double header on Sunday and the Sunshine Coast having the opportunity to host two games across the round. These are excellent outcomes for fans in both regions.”

Full Round 22 fixtures

Thursday, 7:50pm: Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Friday, 6:00pm: St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Friday, 8:05pm: Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, 3pm: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Gold Coast Titans at CBus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Saturday, 5:30pm: North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Saturday, 7:35pm: Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Sunday, 1:50pm: New Zealand Warriors vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe
Sunday, 4:00pm: Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

All times AEST.