IT’S GOING TO BE A SUPER RETURN

SUPER LEAGUE clubs are set to confirm details of their return to action today.

The league’s board meets to decide which of two remaining fixture formulas to choose – and should reveal the opening games for the weekend of August 1/2.

The most likely formula is a 22-round competition with a Grand Final on November 28, which would tie in with the expiration of players’ contracts.

But clubs are also considering playing the decider a week later and having a 24-round season.

Contract extensions are not expected to be a decisive factor, as it would only apply to a small number of players at the two clubs that reach the Grand Final.

Catalans (head coach Steve McNamara, right) are set to be the first team back in action vs St Helens, Wakefield or Leeds, having seen those fixtures postponed for a variety of reasons earlier this year.

The fact the Dragons can host matches with crowds of up to 5,000 from July has also complicated the process. Clubs are desperate to play as many games as possible with supporters present, and there is a delicate juggling act for behind-closeddoors matches, ensuring each side has the same, or similar, number of home fixtures for both scenarios.

The possibility of up to three games being played at one venue at a time is also thought to be a possibility, although a full fixture list for the rest of 2020 is unlikely to be confirmed today.

Clubs must also settle on a new date – and potential venue – for the Challenge Cup final, originally set for July 18.

The competition is currently at the round-six stage with 11 Super League clubs and five from the Championship and League One still involved.

Clubs outside Super League met via conference call with the RFL yesterday, but no decision has been reached on whether they will complete their 2020 season.