Rugby league cannot please everyone, warns Hull KR boss Tony Smith

He is an advocate of an idea put forward by leading agent Craig Harrison that would see games played behind closed doors as soon as safely possible but sold via pay-per-view to attract some revenue into the sport.

Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield and fellow former England captain Jamie Peacock have also backed that plan.

Nevertheless, Smith knows it will be at odds with owners and chief executives across the sport.

There have been no games since mid-March and – though Australia’s NRL will resume on May 28 – there is no restart date in sight for rugby league here.

Asked how he feels the sport will eventually emerge from the pandemic, Smith admitted: “I really don’t know. The best-case scenario from the players and coaches’ point of view would be playing behind closed doors as soon as possible.

“From the owners’ point of view, though, those who have to foot our wages and our livelihoods, they are the ones who probably don’t benefit much from that aside from it might satisfy Sky’s requirements.

“But in terms of income it would be a big hit for them whilst ever turnstiles aren’t turning over and we understand that.”

Castleford Tigers head coach Daryl Powell and England captain Sean O’Loughlin have also supported the pitch for pay-per-view but – almost a fortnight on from going public with their plans – Smith remains unsure if it convinced anyone in the corridors of power.

“We put our suggestions to the RFL and Super League and have left it with them,” said the Australian.

“It was Craig’s idea and we felt it was probably the best plan that we’d heard.

“We just passed it over to the appropriate people really and it’s up to them to drive or not drive now.

“It’s up to them to negotiate with Sky and it’s out of our hands really.”

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