Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity face August return

Super League matches could resume in mid-August with the Grand Final being played in November, December or even January next year, it has been revealed.
No Super League matches have been played since Castleford Tigers' win over St Helens at the Jungle on March 15. Picture by Tony Johnson.No Super League matches have been played since Castleford Tigers' win over St Helens at the Jungle on March 15. Picture by Tony Johnson.
No Super League matches have been played since Castleford Tigers' win over St Helens at the Jungle on March 15. Picture by Tony Johnson.

According to the BBC, the 12 Betfred Super League clubs have drawn up proposals for games to be played in front of limited crowds from October 1

There have been no fixtures in the competition since round seven on March 15, due to the coronavirus crisis.

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The plans, due to go before the Rugby Football League (RFL) board of directors next week, would see a limited number of matches behind closed doors.

Emerald Headingley could stage matches from mid-August, with crowds being admitted after October 1, under a plan by clubs. Picture by Richard Sellers PA.Emerald Headingley could stage matches from mid-August, with crowds being admitted after October 1, under a plan by clubs. Picture by Richard Sellers PA.
Emerald Headingley could stage matches from mid-August, with crowds being admitted after October 1, under a plan by clubs. Picture by Richard Sellers PA.

Clubs are keen to maximise the number of matches pencilled in for after the start of October, which is when they believe crowds might be permitted.

Clubs have not given up hope of resuming before August, but that will depend on government guidelines and would mean more matches played behind closed doors.

Another advantage of an August restart is it allows clubs to take full advantage of the government’s job retention furlough scheme, which has been extended until July

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Three fixture models have been drawn up, all beginning on August 16 and ending with a Grand Final on either November 28, December 12 or in January, 2021.

Reece Lyne scores in Wakefield Trinity's Cup win over Bradford Bulls on March 13, their last game before the shutdown. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Reece Lyne scores in Wakefield Trinity's Cup win over Bradford Bulls on March 13, their last game before the shutdown. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Reece Lyne scores in Wakefield Trinity's Cup win over Bradford Bulls on March 13, their last game before the shutdown. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The BBC say results from before the sport was suspended - which left Leeds Rhinos third in the table, one place behind Castleford Tigers, with Wakefield Trinity ninth - would stand.

The first model suggests nine rounds of matches between October 1 and November 15 and the title decider on November 28.

The Challenge Cup sixth round would be played in August and the final on October 25.

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The second plan sees 11 rounds after October 1, Challenge Cup final on November 8 and Grand Final on December 12.

The final plan is for 15 rounds of matches after October 1, the Challenge Cup decider on November 28 and Grand Final in January, as little as two weeks before the 2021 campaign is due to begin.

An Ashes series is scheduled for October 31, November 7 and November 14, but is set to be cancelled after confirmation Australia’s State of Origin will be played on November 4, 11 and 18.

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