Super League in turmoil over salary cap plan
SUPER League clubs are split over the issue of reducing the salary cap for the 2021 season.
With fears for the financial stability of clubs during the coronavirus pandemic, some have got behind a proposal to reduce the salary cap by £300,000, dropping it from £2.1m to £1.8m.
The hope is that by reducing, it will help to level the playing field, with some clubs likely to have the ability to spend significantly more than others in the months ahead unless changes are made.
However, according to a report by League Express, the league is split on whether reducing the salary cap is fair.
The report claims Huddersfield Giants, Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity have backed the idea to cut the cap by 15 per cent, fearing the integrity of the competition could be compromised in future seasons unless changes are made to help those who won’t be able to spend as much.
However, St Helens, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves have reportedly made a counterargument, insisting that it would severely alter plans they have already made.
Meanwhile, Giants head coach Simon Woolford says he has to plough on with preparing for next season as they wait to discover when - and if - this campaign will continue.
As reported in yesterday’s Examiner, the Claret and Gold have handed Innes and Louis Senior extended contracts until the end of the 2021 campaign and last week Sam Hewitt and Jon-Luke Kirby re-signed until the end of 2022.
The Giants have 14 players out of contract at the end of this season.
“As far as retention/recruitment we have a lot of stuff to get through and a lot of decisions to make,” Woolford told the Yorkshire Post.
“Obviously the last three months have stalled that a little bit but we’re looking to get through it now.
“We can’t keep waiting; we’re going to have to make some decisions.
“I wouldn’t say recruitment and retention has been on our priority list over the last couple of months. Survival has.
“But it’s something we’re starting to look at and starting to get through now.”