Leeds chief cheered by bodies working together

THE WAY the Rugby Football League and Super League have formed a united front in the battle against coronavirus has left Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington believing they could potentially work as one again in the future.

It was only in September 2018 that the two parties were at loggerheads with an extraordinary general meeting called, Super League eventually pulling away from the governing body and essentially taking charge of their own competition.

Of the dozen Super League clubs at the time, Leeds were the only one to vote against the split which, on the surface, was about league structure but, realistically, was more about who controlled the sport’s finances and direction.

There have been various issues between both parties since but in recent weeks there has, instead, been a unity as they combine their skills to try and find solutions to the sweeping problems created by shutdown following the global pandemic.

Hetherington conceded: “It’s an interesting one; we had the civil war less than two years ago which separated the governing body from Super League.

“At the time I had a view on that and a vote on it; the strength of rugby league is our togetherness, and that is coming to the fore now in times of crisis.

“That’s something we should all value and uphold. Who knows what the outcome of this disruption will be? But what we’re seeing is a real collectiveness by the RFL and Super League, and maybe that in itself will pave itself for a further change down the line.”

With so many clubs fearing for their futures with the game suspended indefinitely, RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer is fighting hard to try and secure the sport some financial support from the government.

Hetherington says the RFL have “done an outstanding job so far” and added; “Rugby league is a game of the community and it has a significant impact in its community.

“If any club was to be lost in any of our divisions that would create a damaging impact within the community, and the Government certainly recognises that.”

Meanwhile, Super League chief executive Robert Elstone has taken a 40 per cent pay cut.