Such a round could see Port Macquarie back in the mix as a potential venue which would end a near 10-year drought of NRL fixtures in the region.

“It’s great to see NRL matches being played in regional areas once again in 2019,” Quinn said.

“I’d love to see a whole round of football taken to regional areas and as more country grounds are upgraded, it makes it easier for NRL games to be taken there.

“It would certainly provide a great opportunity for teams to be able spend time in these towns and engage with the local clubs, schools and community.”

City played Country in a representative fixture in 2010 following an NRL trial match between Penrith and Newcastle a few months’ earlier.

The two teams clashed in another trial in 2012 which proved to be the final match held in Port Macquarie to date.

Quinn backed the NRL’s announcement last week of a four-game regional package which will be supported by the state government.

It will form part of the 2019 NRL schedule.

The CRL boss conceded if the City-Country clash was taken off the agenda, they would like to see more games played at regional venues.

“To the NRL’s credit they’ve followed up on that suggestion,” he said.

Quinn said it was “very important” regional fans had the opportunity to see the stars of the game in their own backyard.

“There have been some great crowds in places like Tamworth, Bathurst, Mudgee, Gladstone and Toowoomba this season and it’s pleasing to see these towns getting recognition for the excellent facilities they possess,” he said.

The chief executive suggested an entire “regional round” should be higher on the NRL’s agenda for coming years, although it is unlikely to be as early as next season.

Meanwhile, Quinn believes a potential merger between the CRL and New South Wales Rugby League would benefit everyone.

He acknowledged discussions were only in their infancy between the two governing bodies and any progress could be up to two to three years away from happening.

One of the many advantages should the proposed merger get off the ground was additional resources for grassroots footy.

​“Both the CRL and NSWRL believe there is a great opportunity to provide additional resources to help deliver rugby league programs and competitions across both metropolitan and regional NSW,” Quinn said.

“There is some great work being done by both organisations and we owe it to our stakeholders to discuss the possibilities of how our combined efforts could be used to benefit the game in NSW.”

Quinn said there was no urgency in making a decision on the merger.

“There is a lot to be discussed and all decisions will be made with the best interests of all stakeholders in mind,” he said.