'I'd refuse to play' - Leeds Rhinos legend Garry Schofield's concern over Super League return

Leeds great Garry Schofield says if he was playing now he would refuse to make himself available until coronavirus has been wiped out.

Schofield scored 147 tries in 251 games for Leeds from 1987-96 and was a member of last season’s Man of Steel judging panel.

He feels there is a danger cash-strapped clubs will rush the sport back before the danger of infection has passed.

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Australia’s NRL is set to return from May 28, three weeks after group training resumed.

Garry Schofield with Great Britain coach Malcolm Reilly during the first Ashes at Wembley in 1990. Picture by Steve Riding.Garry Schofield with Great Britain coach Malcolm Reilly during the first Ashes at Wembley in 1990. Picture by Steve Riding.
Garry Schofield with Great Britain coach Malcolm Reilly during the first Ashes at Wembley in 1990. Picture by Steve Riding.

Super League have yet to set a date for either training or matches, but government has indicated sport could return, behind closed doors, from next month.

Following a meeting with the Rugby Football League (RFL) last week, Super League clubs said they were determined to be ready to play again this summer.

Schofield, though, insisted: “It’s not just a matter of players going to training, it is what they can bring home to their families.”

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The former Great Britain captain warned: “To talk about bringing any sport back, I feel as though it is far, far too early.

Leeds great Garry Schofield wants fans to be allowed into stadiums when Super League resumes. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Leeds great Garry Schofield wants fans to be allowed into stadiums when Super League resumes. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Leeds great Garry Schofield wants fans to be allowed into stadiums when Super League resumes. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“To be honest, if I was playing today I would not be making myself available to play.

“I would be saying until this is safe for everybody, not just at the training ground or the playing ground, but until they are not taking anything home that can damage their family or they can pass on to friends, I would not be taking part and I would not be playing.”

This weekend should have marked the start of the second half of the domestic season.

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Instead, Super League was suspended after just seven rounds, with seven of the 12 clubs already having at least one game in hand.

Garry Schofield of Leeds R.L. PICTURED CELEBRATING VICTORY OVER FEATHERSTONE IN SEMI FINAL MARCH 95Garry Schofield of Leeds R.L. PICTURED CELEBRATING VICTORY OVER FEATHERSTONE IN SEMI FINAL MARCH 95
Garry Schofield of Leeds R.L. PICTURED CELEBRATING VICTORY OVER FEATHERSTONE IN SEMI FINAL MARCH 95

Super League confirmed after last week’s meeting that the season is set to be extended and Schofield would be happy to see it run into next year if necessary.

He said: “For me, however long it takes to finish the 2020 season, that’s what it takes - even if it takes until next January or February. Then they could have six weeks off and let’s start it [the 2021 campaign] in April.

“If next year we have to play two games a week or one game the first week and two from then on to catch up, why not?

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“But for me, at this moment in time, it is not about money - it is about health.

“If you haven’t got your health, you haven’t got anything.”

Some lower-division coaches believe the 2020 season is likely to be written off, rather than continuing with matches played behind closed doors.

Schofield, however, believes Super League should finish what it has started.

“I want the season to restart when it is safe,” he stressed.

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“I know it has been mentioned about playing three times a week, but I don’t have an issue with that.

“Shortening games to maybe 60-65 minutes has been mentioned and I don’t have an issue with that.

“If they are talking about playing more substitutes, I don’t have an issue whatsoever.

“What I do have an issue about is coming back too soon.

“We all know every sport wants to start playing again for the broadcasters, because without TV money every sport is skint, not just our game. But until it is safe, we can not restart.

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“Then, when it is safe, let’s come up with a plan - three games a week, shortened games, more substitutes, if we have to go into next January or February, all well and good, but let’s make sure everybody is happy with the scenario.

“If anybody does come back and somebody dies from it, a member of somebody’s family, what price can you put on a life?

“You can’t, it is priceless. I don’t want to see it abandoned, but I want to make sure it is safe for all the players, their families and everybody associated with the clubs.”

Games played without a crowd would help Super League meet its commitments to Sky TV, without clubs benefiting from matchday income.

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“I don’t believe games should be played behind closed doors,” Schofield stated.

“I know that is what may happen because of mass gatherings [remaining banned], but it is nowhere near the same for the players.

“The spectators want to be involved, so why not wait an extra eight weeks?

“Leeds get between 12-15,000 so, even if they have to maximise it to 5,000 people in the ground, that sort of thing, it is still a better atmosphere than playing behind closed doors.”

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