Super League ready to make cuts

There are growing fears the competition could see clubs go under given the financial uncertainty following the global pandemic.

Super League had initially shut down until April 3 but that was yesterday extended indefinitely in a joint-decision with the Rugby Football League.

“We have added complications of French and Canadian teams but our big priority right now is economic survival for ourselves and our clubs,” said Elstone.

“We're looking at what Government support is offered to make sure we can access it as quickly as we can and that's gratefully received by clubs.

“We're looking at a specific request which is much-needed which the RFL is working on.

“We've spent a week looking at every single line in the budget to save money and ensure we distribute funds to our clubs every month to protect them for as long as we can. That is very much our priority.”

Asked if he was confident there will still be 12 clubs around when the sport resumes, Elstone added: “Yes.”

He conceded furloughing - where staff are placed on leave with the Government paying 80 per cent of their wages - is increasingly likely for all clubs and Super League itself.

“Furloughing was a welcoming initiative the Government put on the table which every club is looking at,” said Elstone.

“We've spent time looking at our staff base and furloughing is an option for a large number of our employees.

"We have to do that professionally and sympathetically and that principle applies across all clubs who I know are speaking to their employees about looking at furloughing.

"They're doing that sensibly and collaboratively.

"It is an opportunity that will allow clubs and Super League to protect themselves economically over a difficult period ahead.

"We're all sharing best practice on what furloughing might look like and I think there are more announcements expected. We are speaking to professional advisers about what it means."

Super League's television weekly television show is one of the cuts they have already made.