Leeds Rhinos chief Gary Hetherington left “disappointed” as fans’ return cancelled

The gates will remain shut when Leeds Rhinos take on visitors Catalans Dragons in Betfred Super League next Wednesday.

The match had been chosen as a pilot fixture as part of the government’s plan to allow a limited number of spectators back into sports events.

A total of 1,000 fans were set to watch the game, but the pilot was put on hold yesterday when new national measures were announced to combat a rise in coronavirus cases.

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington described the news as “really disappointing and very frustrating”.

He said: “A tremendous amount of work, effort and time had gone into what was going to be a step in the right direction towards maybe getting more fans to come back over the course of the season.

“It is a setback in that regard, especially given the amount of work that has gone into getting all the protocols in place.”

Headingley is among five stadiums used to host matches behind closed doors since rugby league returned from its Covid-19 shutdown last month.

“We are extremely confident Emerald Headingley would have been one of the safest places imaginable, for any gathering of people,” Hetherington added.

“We could certainly have delivered that for the safety and comfort of those 1,000 fans and we’re disappointed we’ve not got that opportunity.

“We are disappointed for those 1,000 people who obviously are now not going to be able to attend.

“We will await government guidance and advice as to when that pilot game will be restored.”

Super League clubs were hopeful more spectators would be admitted to matches from next month, but that now seems unlikely.

The Rugby Football League have confirmed the Coral Challenge Cup semi-finals - including Leeds against Wigan - on October 3 will be played behind closed doors at St Helens’ TW Stadium.

Hetherington stressed he has not given up hope of games being staged in front of a crowd at Headingley this year.

“It is a changing picture on a daily basis, so we don’t know,” he said.

“We have to be governed by government decisions and guidelines and obviously the rate of infection.

“We have still got three home Super League games after next Wednesday so we are still hopeful our fans will be able to attend.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said new restrictions could be in place for six months, which would have an impact on the 2021 season due to kick off in February.

Hetherington warned: “I think sport and entertainment of all types and kinds is now under very serious threat.

“That applies equally to soccer, cricket, rugby league, rugby union; any sport which thrives off its fanbase and its audience is now under threat - any pub, club, restaurant as well.

“We are all in the same boat, really.

“Clearly it is a very worrying situation, but I think sport is showing we can have meaningful competition without increasing the rate of infection and I think we could certainly demonstrate that we could attract fans also without increasing the chances of further infection.

“That’s why we’re disappointed we’ve not got the opportunity to test that next Wednesday.”

The game against Catalans will kick-off at 7pm and be broadcast to season ticket holders via the RFL’s Our League app.

Castleford Tigers will play host to Hull a day later than planned under the pilot scheme.

The game on Thursday, October 1, will kick-off at 7.45pm and be televised on Sky Sports.

Wigan’s deby against St Helens is now scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium.

That will give them an extra day to prepare for the semi-final against Leeds.

Rhinos had the option of bringing the Catalans game forward, but plan to give their fringe players an opportunity against the French side.

Meanwhile, Rugby league’s governing body fears job losses “across the sport” as a result of the continuing lack of crowds.

The RFL was granted a £16m Government loan earlier in the year but it has warned that short-term measure cannot guard against the consequences of further sustained disruption.

A statement from the RFL read: “The loan facility provided by Government has been welcomed by the sport. It was predicated on an initial 12-week lockdown.

“Additionally, every club has taken significant steps to reduce costs, and players and staff have taken pay reductions.

“The sport has reacted quickly and decisively in facing these challenges. Yet it remains likely that with losses at up to £2million a week across the sport as a whole, and continued uncertainty, there will be job losses across the sport.”

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