Featherstone Rovers chairman Mark Campbell accuses RFL of finding reasons to delay Championship's return

Speaking prior to Monday’s announcement that a decision on the resumption of the season for second and third tier clubs would be made by July 23 at the latest, Campbell hailed the “pro-active approach” made by the clubs outside of Super League.

The Rovers chairman claimed that the RFL, through the Clinical Advisory Group, had presented an estimation that coronavirus testing would cost the sport £1m and each club up to £5,000 per week.

It was agreed at Monday’s RFL Board meeting that playing behind closed doors was “impractical” for the majority of the clubs outside Super League but most second and third tier sides are happy to finish the season later in the year, if crowds are allowed back into stadia.

“Championship clubs are continuing to show a pro-active approach to this dilemma," said Campbell.

“The RFL through the Clinical Advisory Group presented a costly measure in anti-gen testing for all essential staff on a weekly basis which would cost the sport in excess of £1m.

"Rugby league clubs need all the support they can attract and it’s been unbelievable to hear that the NHS are stepping up to offer potential support to our clubs in a real time of crisis.

“The RFL presented a £5,000 per week cost, with no breakdown or evidence of how this was achieved.

“It all just feels like the RFL are finding ways to delay the season rather than finding a way to get it back underway.

“The clubs have repeatedly spoken about what a meaningful season might be, but yet again we await this information and it’s all becoming extremely frustrating.”