The move comes as NRL and North Queensland officials seek government support for a new 25,000-seat stadium in Townsville and the Eels prepare to relocate to a high-performance centre and new training facilities after receiving approval for the development from Parramatta Council.

The Rabbitohs want to relocate their training and administration facilities to Heffron Park, which Souths officials say would take the club to a level not previously seen in the NRL. The project has the backing of South Sydney Juniors, Randwick Council and the NSW government.

Since losing a $16 million federal government grant last Christmas, Rabbitohs officials have been working with NRL government relations manager Jaymes Boland-Rudder to lobby political support in Canberra for the facility, which will include a gymnasium, indoor sports arena, swimming pool, a high-altitude chamber and a community centre.

"I think it is the future of the club and hopefully we can get it off the ground," Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said. "We are going to Canberra tomorrow with the NRL, talking to different departments there about assisting us.

"We have been working hard with both the state and federal governments over the past six months, with the NRL's assistance. We will be down in Canberra tomorrow, along with other clubs, lobbying the government with Dave Smith and Jaymes Boland-Rudder from the NRL."

An NRL official  said the purpose of the trip to Canberra was a relation-building exercise, involving a meeting with federal parliament's Friends of Rugby League, where such ambitions can be raised informally.

The NRL has a similar relationship with the state governments. It has recently put forward a proposal for a new stadium in Townsville for the Queensland government to consider.

The $190 million development, which would include a purpose-built rectangular pitch for league, football and rugby union, to be constructed as part of a sport and entertainment precinct in Townsville, is a joint proposal from the NRL and the Cowboys.

It is envisaged that funding for the stadium, which would seat 25,000 with the ability to expand to 30,000, would be shared between private investors and the Queensland, federal and local governments.

Meanwhile, the Eels have received approval from Parramatta City Council to establish a training base at Old Saleyards and Dan Mahoney Reserves in North Parramatta, which will include two A-grade fields in the first stage of construction.

"We have been using old and outdated facilities for many years, and this move will allow our players to use the elite facilities they deserve," Parramatta chairman Steve Sharp said.

The first stage of construction will see the Eels upgrade two playing fields, and build flood lighting and temporary facilities at the reserves.

Parramatta City has also agreed to give in-principle support to longer-term plans for a permanent high-performance and community centre, with features to include a gymnasium, player recovery facilities, coaching and video rooms, a theatrette and office space for club administration.

"Our vision is to create a world-class centre that will give the Parramatta Eels the best training and high-performance facilities in the NRL, which will be crucial to the long-term continued success of our club," Eels chief executive Scott Seward said.