Darius Boyd has insisted he wants to play again in the NRL but any return to action must be "done the right way".
Boyd announced in March that the 2020 campaign would be his last and the 32-year-old Brisbane Broncos star has seen his farewell season halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He remains hopeful the league can resume but has no intention of leaving his family behind for a prolonged spell if all teams have to set up camp in New South Wales, as has been mooted.
A veteran of over 300 NRL games, Boyd said last week there was "no chance in hell" of him spending months on end away from home.
His comments were criticised by his fellow Broncos great Gorden Tallis, but Boyd said he felt his own remarks had been "a bit misconstrued".
He has now stressed he is eager to get back on the pitch but added: "I would never leave my family for four months."
Speaking to Fox Sports, Boyd said: "I've been on a few calls with the RLPA and players' reps and a lot of players have my thoughts as well.
"It's not about me, it's never been about me. It's about the team and the game.
"We all want to get back as soon as possible and play footy, that's our job and it's what we love, but at the same time it's got to be done the right way.
"There's a lot of things that need to be ticked off before we can get back into a safe and healthy space."
Important not to give false hope to the many people longing for rugby league to come back. Still a range of issues which need to be worked through. https://t.co/pDEwIN9X8G
— Dale Copley (@dalecopley) April 22, 2020
The NRL is targeting a return to action on May 28, having been forced to close down the season after two rounds of games on March 23.
Amid travel limitations, the Queensland teams – the Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans – could be forced to move to the Sydney area to ensure they can take part in the competition.
