Clubs to consider ideas for Super League return

A SUPER League return will move a step closer this week with the first meeting of a Restart Group which will look at ways to stage games behind closed doors.

Working groups have also been formed to lay the groundwork for a return of both the Championship and League 1, but the Super League will lead the way as the group – formed of RFL and Super League Europe executives – looks at operational, legal, marketing and media issues relating to a return.

An RFL statement said: “We anticipate that the Restart Group will also consider stages four – crossborder matches – and five, getting crowds back in our stadia. The same applies to the Championship and League 1 Working Groups.”

Three models have been presented for a restart, with possible dates for the Grand Final on either November 28, December 12 or in mid-January. The standings would be determined based on 22, 24, or 28 games respectively.

“Key issues include sanitised environments, cleaning venues, social distancing where it’s required, appropriate testing for players and monitoring any symptoms and protocol if we do have any positive results,” the statement said.

“Our expectation is we’ll circulate final drafts early this week and subject to any feedback, they will go to the RFL Board for approval.

“It will then be up to clubs to decide when they want to return to train and having all the systems in place to make sure they can do so.”

No games have been played since March 15 .