Super League break could boost youngsters’ chances says Hull KR’s Tony Smith

The Australian is currently furloughed along with all his playing squad and staff due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This is the third successive weekend there has been no action on the field and no one truly knows when the sport will resume.

However, with clubs likely to need to play three games per week when it does start up again, they undoubtedly will have to utilise all of their squad.

Rovers were already making a concerted push to bring through more academy players in the years ahead and that could now start early.

“I think most people are resigned to the fact that, if we do get up and running, we might have to do that (play three games),” said Smith. “We’ll have to look at that and rotate our players the best we can.

“We might have to protect some of our players by not playing them three times per week.

“We might have to play some of our younger players in those midweek games and make sure everyone gets looked after.

“But most clubs will have to do that and it is a good thing; it will encourage clubs to use their young lads.”

The former Leeds Rhinos and England coach added: “We have to develop younger players.

“We, as a sport here, haven’t got the biggest pool and it’s important to give them the experience at the right time and bring them through.

“In this case, I think it will be a real positive for rugby league in this country. The number of players that will be given a chance when games start again will increase because of the situation.

“It will be interesting to see what happens, whenever we do get back playing.”