Canberra have been forced to move pre-season training to the Sunshine Coast as bushfire smoke poses health concerns for their NRL players.
They join the Brumbies in moving athletes from the city with the Super Rugby side relocating training to Newcastle to avoid the smoke.
Canberra, grand finalists last year, were due to resume training on Monday but instead the club is organising the squad’s relocation to Queensland.
On Monday, Canberra was recorded as having the worst air quality in the world as bushfires rage on the nearby south coast, Riverina and Snowy Mountains regions.
The dangerous conditions have forced the Canberra Capitals to cancel a WNBL game while Canberra United have postponed W-League and Y-League matches.
The Australian Institute of Sports has closed down facilities and the University of Canberra, where the Brumbies train, has shut down until air quality improves.
The Raiders will train indoors until the 30-strong NRL squad starts a 10-day camp on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday.
“With the prolonged effects of the current bushfire situation and the hazardous conditions due to smoke here in Canberra, we’ve made the decision to relocate training for a period to allow the playing group to prepare as best they can for the season without putting their health or safety at risk,” Raiders chief executive Don Furner said.
The NRL has announced they are working with clubs, states and partners to develop a “coordinated initiative” to support fire affected communities.