Hull FC boss Adam Pearson: "We need Government loan now"

The Rugby Football League announced on May 1 that it had secured the emergency funding with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport saying it was needed to “protect the entire sport” throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hull are one of those clubs who revealed they would be applying for aid to help it through the crisis but - with no games now for more than three months - they say they are finding it difficult to get their hands on the funds.

“We’re still trying to find out how we get hold of what’s been apportioned to us,” said Pearson.

“It’s becoming a little bit of a painstaking operation. We don’t seem to be making much progress and the pinch-points are arriving now.

“We need release of that funding and, even though we have to pay it all back, at least it gives us some breathing space.

“But we’re going to need a buy-in from all our stakeholders; players, myself, supports, corporates, everybody is going to have to play our part for the survival of Hull and to come through it as a competitive Super League club.

“We’re trying to find a way forward over the next 18 months while still challenging in a competitive league.”

The sport hopes to resume in August, although it could play behind closed doors until October due to government protocols and social-distancing measures.

Pearson sees that as being a crucial area in determining whether clubs survive.

“There’s got to be a way forward as promptly and safely as possible to try and get crowds in ASAP,” he added.

“The speed with which we can do that safely, is the key to the future of the sport.

“Our members and season ticket holders have been extremely loyal and so long as they remain with us we’ve got a chance of getting through this.

“We’re all going the extra mile and everyone’s connected to the club from myself and the board downwards everyone has contributed to try and save the club.”

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