Leeds Rhinos facing 'biggest challenge'

Gary Hetherington. Picture by James Hardisty.

Wakefield Trinity and Hull have already placed their players on leave as part of the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, which guarantees employees will receive 80 per cent of their wages up to a monthly total of £2,500.

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington was due to provide an update on the situation on Friday as the club prepare for a fourth successive weekend without a fixture.

All team training has been cancelled, in line with government guidelines and players are keeping fit at home, though there is still no indication when the season will resume.

Emerald Headingley should have been hosting Coral Challenge Cup action this weekend. Picture by Allan McKenzie SWpix.com.

Hetherington, who took control of Leeds along with chairman Paul Caddick in 1996, stressed: “We have had a number of notable challenges over the last 24 years, but this is our biggest.”

The Rugby Football League (RFL) are in talks with the government over financial and other aid for the cash-strapped sport.

Rhinos have already had four Betfred Super League fixtures postponed this year, including one because of Storm Ciara and were due to play host to Hull KR in their opening Coral Challenge Cup tie this weekend.

With the shutdown due to Covid-19 set to stretch at least into May, it seems likely the number of league fixtures will have to be reduced or the season could be extended into November or December.

Similar plans in Australia have put this autumn’s lucrative Ashes Test series, including a Test at Elland Road, in Leeds, in doubt.