Super League clubs ‘working together’ as salary cap retained

LEEDS RHINOS chief executive Gary Hetherington insists Betfred Super League clubs are “working together” to get through the coronavirus crisis.

A Super League general meeting yesterday unanimously agreed to retain the salary cap for 2021 at its current level of £2.1m.

Before a five-hour conference call the 12 clubs were believed to be split between reducing the cap to around £1.85m – the level it was three years ago – and increasing it for next season.

However, a statement from the competition confirmed: “At a general meeting [on Thursday] Betfred Super League clubs voted unanimously in favour of retaining the salary cap at existing levels for the 2021 season.”

And the Leeds chief confirmed he is happy with that outcome. “I am really encouraged by the collaborative approach from all the clubs and the spirit of unity within Super League,” Hetherington said.

The GMB union, which represents Super League players, confirmed on Wednesday it was opposed to the cap being cut.

Hetherington insisted: “You don’t need to be an economist to work out if your income is going to be significantly reduced, that has to be reflected in your costs.

“Everybody has got to share in that pain and players are part of that mix.

“The players have already done their bit, significantly. Players – and staff – have got nowhere near the credit they deserve for their actions this year.

“Players at every club have taken significant cuts this year, up to 50 per cent in some cases.

“Next year will be just as financially difficult for clubs. There is going to be cuts going forward, but they will be done in a collaborative way – rather than imposing cuts.”

Super League’s executive chairman Robert Elstone said: “The unanimous vote is another example of the unity shown by our clubs in response to the significant challenges posed by Covid-19.

“Whilst we will continue to apply the existing levels of scrutiny to all costs, today’s decision underlines our commitment to ensuring Super League remains strong and competitive and also shows confidence in our ability to manage the competition through these uncertain times.”

No games have been played since March 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic.