Dragons vow to Mac it fly!
SUPER LEAGUE will be flying by the seat of its pants when it returns to action on August 2.
Clubs are fighting for their survival, with most expecting losses of between £2million and £4m.
Fixtures or venues have still not been announced, other than the opening day’s three catch-up games.
But Catalans Dragons coach Steve Mcnamara is simply just happy for his team to be flying again – in and out of France.
He said: “I cannot wait for that first kick-off. The adrenaline of going back in and preparing to win.
“That is what keeps us going, the highs and the lows of games. There won’t be any crowds unfortunately but it is still really exciting.”
Mcnamara initially promised to set up camp in England if quarantine rules had demanded it.
But travel restrictions have since been eased and France has dealt with coronavirus to the extent that 5,000 maximum crowds will be allowed there from July 12.
Catalans will return to full squad training tomorrow, the earliest of any Super League team.
Former England head coach Mcnamara said: “We are really conscious that people have lost their lives and our thoughts go out to them and their families.
“But if we can give a bit of light back, as football and the NRL have done, then that will be good.”
The Dragons will feature in the opening day tripleheader in four weeks’ time.
They play champions St Helens, with Hull KR v Toronto and Huddersfield v Leeds also featuring at Headingley.
Then the following two weekends are expected to feature triple-headers on the Saturday and Sunday, but no venues or fixtures have been announced.
The rest of the season is also shrouded in confusion.
Mcnamara said: “Flights and accommodation is part of the logistical challenge but it’s one we’re prepared for. Our stadium can host games safely. We have put together a very detailed bio-security document.
“The top priorities are safety, and making sure that all clubs get through this financially.”