If they can play the NRL (and then the clubs) will get the broadcast money. Depending on the terms of the contract they may well not get the broadcast right payments if they don't play. So there is a huge (around $400M from memory) at stake if no games are played. Anybody in the right mind would want to secure as much of that as possible by playing as many games as possible.
Go Dogs
So you've just confirmed that it's all about money and they don't give a shit about the wellbeing of the players?
If bigger sporting competitions and businesses around the world sacrifice money for public safety and reducing the risk of worsening the spread of a pandemic, then the NRL should too.
The NRL and it's clubs aren't the only ones who will feel the financial impact of this. It's effecting the global economy.
It's a matter of when, not if someone gets it and they shut down the whole comp. Even holding the Warriors hostage in Australia with them losing their home field advantage and not being able to see their families or live at home is preposterous and a huge infringement of the players basic rights as well as a massive disadvantage to them.
Why shut the comp down on Saturday next round once someone gets it and then you're stuck with one and a half rounds completed of the comp?