Super League faces ‘real challenge’ as coronavirus causes havoc to fixtures, says Leeds Rhinos’ Gary Hetherington

Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos.Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos.
Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos.
LEEDS RHINOS chief executive Gary Hetherington says the “real challenge” still lies ahead as Super League and the RFL battle to rearrange fixtures postponed due to coronavirus.

Tonight’s game against Wakefield Trinity at Emerald Headingley was called off yesterday after Wakefield recorded two positive tests on Tuesday.

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Leeds had already seen next Monday’s fixture in Perpignan postponed after Catalans Dragons had four positive tests last week.

Rhinos had been facing two games in five days but, ironically, now might go 13 days between fixtures, their next match not scheduled until a week tomorrow against Huddersfield Giants.

It is hard to see where they will fit those games in in an already congested itinerary but Hetherington concedes all clubs will face similar problems.

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“We were all ready to go so it has come as a blow to everybody,” he said, with Castleford Tigers and Salford Red Devils, originally due to start today’s televised Headingley triple-header at 2.30pm, now taking the vacant 8.15pm slot instead.

“It’s disappointing for the players, the coaching staff and the fans, who will have been looking forward to watching it on the television.

“But that’s the nature of the situation we’re in. The game’s been postponed and the real challenge for clubs and, of course, Super League, is the rearrangement of these fixtures.

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“The RFL and Super League are looking very closely into that as there’s quite a number of clubs affected now. It is a very complex issue and it affects some clubs more than others.

“It’s important decisions are made on the back of competition integrity but, at the end of the day, this has thrown up a uniquely challenging competition.

“I’ve no doubt the winners of this year’s Super League will be the team that shows the greatest resilience and who can manage and overcome its adversity as every side will have some. But every club is doing whatever has to be done in the circumstances.”

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Trinity – who already had four players self-isolating – have been told their fixture against Hull FC next Thursday is under threat and they will have further tests tomorrow before a decision is made.

Warrington Wolves, who beat Wakefield on Sunday, have seen six players need to self-isolate due to Test and Trace analysis but their game against Hull at Headingley tomorrow night is on.

If more games continue to be postponed, Super League could explore extending the season into December but, as it stands, they are trying to remain nimble.

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However, this is the sixth game postponed and, with Catalans still out of action, there was no scope to quickly find Rhinos alternative opponents which has previously happened.

Like Leeds, Warrington have only recorded negative results so far but those six players required to self-isolate for 14 days will also be out of action against Castleford next Thursday.

Meanwhile, Hull KR head coach Tony Smith fully expects his club to eventually be hit.

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He said: “Whilst ever it (Covid) is in our society, it’s going to turn up. It’d be naive of us to think that it’s not going to raise its head in each team at some stage.

“Hopefully we’re not all affected by it at the same time so we can continue on as a competition. Fortunately, we’ve been able to do that so far.

“But we’re not able to form a total ‘bubble’. Rugby league does not allow for that in this country; we don’t have people who are wealthy enough to not have their spouse go off to work and out in society and then come home again on an evening.

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“That can spread infection so it’s inevitable it’s going to affect all of us while ever it’s in society.”

Revised fixtures

Tonight: Hull KR v Wigan Warriors (6pm); Salford Red Devils v Castleford Tigers (8.15pm).

Tomorrow: Huddersfield Giants v St Helens (6pm); Warrington Wolves v Hull FC (8.15pm).

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