The majority of the NRL competition, including numerous South Coast products, will be based in southeast Queensland over the next month, to avoid the Greater Sydney lockdown and keeping the 2021 season going.
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All NSW and ACT-based clubs have headed north and will be based in three hubs at Gold Coast (Bulldogs, Eels, Rabbitohs, Raiders and Warriors), Brisbane (Dragons, Sharks and Wests Tigers) and Sunshine Coast (Knights, Panthers, Roosters and Sea Eagles) for the foreseeable future.
One thing that hasn't changed is this round's match-ups, with all remaining the same - although some locations have been altered.
The updated schedule will feature two double-headers, on Friday at Cbus Super Stadium and Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
"We have moved as quickly as possible to provide certainty to our clubs, fans and partners," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.
"Two double-headers across the weekend is an exciting outcome for our fans in Queensland, it gives them an opportunity to see four teams at one venue, in one day.
"We are continuing the biggest logistical operation our game has ever faced, moving teams and families into their southeast Queensland hubs over the coming days.
"We hope to ensure as little disruption to the clubs and to the competition as possible."
The pivotal round 18 will kick-off on Friday when the Titans take on the Eels at Cbus Super Stadium.
The hosts' side is coached by Milton-Ulladulla's Justin Holbrook and contains Kiama's Mitch Rein among the reserves, while the Eels are mentored by former Batemans Bay Tiger Brad Arthur.
Following that, Gerringong's Reuben Garrick and his Sea Eagles battle the Dragons, whose side will be without the suspended Matt Dufty, Tyrell Fuimaono and Kaide Ellis, for their part of the Paul Vaughan house party.
As such, Gerringong's Tariq Sims and Jackson Ford will both start in the Red V's forward pack, while Albion Park-Oak Flats' Adam Clune is among the reserves.
On Saturday, the Raiders and Sharks lock horns at the Gold Coast, with the latter's side featuring Narooma's Teig Wilton and Pambula born Jack Williams.
Next up on the plater is the Cowboys and Roosters' fixture at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, where the visitors' side is headlined by Kiama centre Josh Morris and Park five-eighth Drew Hutchison.
The final game that day will pit the Storm and Knights up against one another at AAMI Park.
Melbourne's 17-man squad contains Bega's Dale Finucane and former Shellharbour Shark Chris Lewis, while the Knights are coached by Batemans Bay's Adam O'Brien.
Then on Sunday, the Warriors, who appear set to welcome back Shellharbour's Euan Aitken back after two weeks isolation, play the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
Following that, Moruya's Rhys Kennedy and his Broncos will host the Wests Tigers in Brisbane.
The final game of the round will see Nowra-born Cody Walker and his Rabbitohs face the Bulldogs.