Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos: Steve McNamara preparing for "completely different" game

Fans will be prevented from attending the round seven Betfred Super League fixture at Stade Gilbert Brutus following the French government's decision to ban gatherings of more than 1,000 in response to the spread of coronavirus.

"It's going to be completely different," McNamara said. "Nobody has ever experienced it as far as I'm aware."

After having away games against St Helens and Wakefield Trinity postponed already this season, McNamara is relieved Saturday's match will go ahead but has plenty of sympathy for the fans and the club, who stand to suffer a heavy financial loss.

Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch has criticised both Leeds and the Rugby Football League for failing to agree to his alternative plans and he could find himself in a similar situation at Easter when the Catalans are due to host Toronto Wolfpack.

"It's not an ideal situation for anybody," McNamara said.

"Our first option was to try to play the game in Leeds which couldn't happen or maybe re-arrange it for another time which couldn't happen so we crack on. We've got to get on with it.

"Purely from the football side of things, obviously we want to play the game. We've already got a couple of games to catch up on.

"I have got one eye looking out for the club and the financial implications of losing out on a huge fixture like this.

"It's enormous and will have a huge impact on the club. I do really feel for the club and Bernard in particular.

"And this might not be the only game for us. If it's one game, it's possibly okay but two and if it goes to three, who knows?

"And that's in France, who knows what will happen in England at some point?

"We're aware of the need for gate receipts in our game to support the clubs financially."

McNamara echoes the comments of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who said he would prefer matches to be postponed rather than be played behind closed doors.

"Obviously teams love playing at home in front of their own fans and it's the fans I feel most sorry for," McNamara added.

"I was listening to Pep Guardiola's interview yesterday about playing behind closed doors and he's right. We play for the fans, we play to perform in front of people, that's what players do.

"It's not just rugby league, it's affecting sport all over the place. It's certainly not ideal for either team but it's what both teams have got to get on with and prepare to play.

"It will just be a very strange environment come game time on Saturday."