Wellington Phoenix have decided to base their roster across the Tasman indefinitely, as they prepare for an upcoming A-League season still two months away.
Players will begin assembling in New South Wales this week, and won't return until a two-way travel 'bubble' is established to allow free passage between Australia and New Zealand.
Under the one-way agreement that currently exists, New Zealand and Australian players can begin training immediately - without quarantine - although international recruits will still undergo two weeks in COVID-19 isolation.
If the team had remained in Wellington, all arrivals would be required to serve and pay for coronavirus quarantine.
"Should a trans-Tasman bubble eventuate during the season, the club will review the potential to play home games in New Zealand later in the season," say the Phoenix.
"This is dependant on changes being made by the NZ Government around the two-week quarantine process upon a person's return to New Zealand - when it is deemed safe to do so - and the costs incurred of relocation back to New Zealand.
"The club would like to recognise the continued sacrifice of its players, coaches and technical staff, who again face the prospect of being separated from their families and loved ones for a long period of time."
The A-League season isn't scheduled to begin until December 27 and the NZ team have made no player announcements, since they were bundled out of last season's playoffs in August.
Captain Steven Taylor, Matti Steinmann, Gary Hooper, Liberato Cacace, Callan Elliot, Callum McCowatt and Brandon Wilson have all departed the club for the coming campaign.
