ROCKIN’ ON Tommy: This will not break spirits
TOMMY MAKINSON insists Super League’s stars will not be broken by the problems caused by the coronavirus.
All games have been suspended until next month, at least, and clubs have either halted training completely or are doing reduced sessions.
There is also massive uncertainty about whether the game can survive a lengthy lay-off.
But St Helens and England winger Makinson, 28, says the players will do everything possible to prevent the crisis from becoming critical.
He said: “Rugby league has been going for 125 years and a thing like this will not break the rugby league spirit.
“The players are in a fortunate position because we get to play rugby for a living and we need to do everything possible to help people in our communities who are struggling.
“Rugby league is not about players at the end of the day – it’s about the fans who make all these clubs tick.”
That’s why Makinson says that every player will be committing fully to their strange new training regimes, however inconvenient they are.
He said: “When we get the all-clear we have got to be ready to crack on. If there is a little rustiness I don’t think anyone will care as long as we’re playing again.”
Saints players are being allowed to train in small groups but are not using their gym or any confined spaces.
Some clubs like Salford are hoping to reintroduce some full squad sessions outdoors from next week, after having their last session last Tuesday.
Red Devils hooker Joey Lussick said the players are also being encouraged to follow individual training plans at home or at the club.
He said: “Everyone in the squad is fit and healthy and we want to keep that going so the club have said that nobody, apart from us, can use our facilities.
“We are following the government advice and fingers crossed we all stay fit so that we can carry on training.
“We don’t know when we will be playing again but, for the fans and for the game as a whole, we need to be ready.
“All 12 clubs will be in the same position and we’ve all got to be prepared to do a job right away.
“It is really scary because none of us have experienced anything like this before but we have to try and stay on top of things and relax.”
Leeds temporarily suspended training after four players self-isolated when they showed virus symptoms this week.
Director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “Our facilities are being completely cleansed.”