Leeds Rhinos v St Helens game in doubt - decision due on Wednesday over coronavirus fears

A decision is expected tomorrow (Wednesday) on whether the fixture will go ahead.

Rhinos are awaiting the outcome of a PCR test on one of their players.

A positive result would rule him out of this week’s game, along with several teammates who would be required to self-isolate.

It is understood Rhinos have not had a large number of positive cases, but losing players identified as close contacts could make it difficult for them to raise a team.

Clubs can request a postponement if seven or more players are unavailable due to coronavirus.

Rhinos’ pre-season was disrupted by a Covid-19 outbreak which led to their Kirkstall training base being shut down for more than a week.

A joint statement from the RFL and Super League said discussions are planned for Wednesday and confirmed: “Leeds [are] currently awaiting the result of a PCR test on one of their players which could rule out a number of others through test and trace analysis.”

Friday’s game between Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors was postponed on Tuesday afternoon.

Seven Huddersfield players have tested positive, meaning they are required to self-isolate for 10 days.

Giants’ most recent training session was last Wednesday, June 2 and the team will not return to training until a further round of PCR testing on Friday.

The governing bodies say the decision was reached on the basis of the number of positive cases and given the incubation period for Covid-19 of up to 14 days.

Their statement added: “The RFL will work with the clubs and Super League Europe on possible dates for the match to be rearranged later in the season.”

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