WOLVES JOIN THE PAY-CUT

RUGBY LEAGUE COMEBACK

WARRINGTON are the latest club to agree pay-cut terms with players as Super League confirmed the new schedule for this season.

The Wolves are the eighth side to reach a deal ahead of the August 2 start date.

It follows extensive negotiations between club, players and the GMB union. Chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick said: “The players and staff have had full sight of the club’s financial position. They fully understand and support the need for the salary adjustments to continue.

“They acknowledged the incredible commitment we are witnessing from our supporters, partners and directors, they wanted to play their part too. “As well as speaking directly with every player we encouraged them to engage with the GMB during this process. They did so via Garreth Carvell who was

helpful to all parties throughout these discussions.”

GMB representative Carvell (left) is confident the four remaining clubs – Salford, Wakefield, Castleford and Wigan – will be on board before the end of the week with the fixtures now set.

The first three weekends will be played as triple headers at single venues, with all of next month’s matches on Sky.

The schedule becomes significantly more demanding towards the end of the season, with midweek matches in the hope some fans will be allowed back in stadiums by then.

Toronto – still to resolve a visa issue with overseas players – confirmed they will not stage any matches in Canada this year, but Catalans will host games in Perpignan after August.

The Grand Final will be at the end of November.

Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone said: “It hasn’t been an easy process. We’re delighted all parties have pulled together.”