Uncertainty continues for Hunslet, Dewsbury Rams, Batley Bulldogs and Featherstone Rovers as clubs fail to reach restart agreement

It is still not known if or when League One Hunslet - whose AJ Boardman is pictured scoring in pre-season against Bradford Bulls - will play again. Picture by Paul Johnson.

At a meeting yesterday, Betfred Championship and League One clubs expressed a “range of views” on how the season should be resolved.

They were then asked to make their opinions known in a formal survey which will be considered at another meeting on July 6.

It was hoped an agreement could be reached, but - with the easing of lockdown restrictions raising the prospect of crowds possibly returning to matches this year - no firm decision was made.

Some clubs are understood to be reluctant to restart if there is no promotion or relegation or games have to be played behind closed doors.

The scheduled meeting was held via video conference and chaired by Rugby Football League (RFL) chairman Simon Johnson.

An RFL spokesman said: “The clubs discussed a range of issues, with the main topic of discussion to consider options for the 2020 season, following its suspension on March 16.

“Reports from the two working groups that had been set up at the last forum, in mid-May, were presented – one on cost and logistics, the other on revenue opportunities.

The uncertainty also continues for Featherstone Rovers coach James Webster and his Championship rivals. Picture by Simon Hulme.

“A range of views were expressed by clubs, both on the issues involved – now involving the possible return of crowds to sport later in the year - and on when a decision should be made regarding the 2020 season.

“The clubs will now be invited to present their views formally via a survey, and those views will be carried forward to the next RFL board meeting on July 6.”

The possible introduction of new rules - including abandoning scums for the rest of 2020 and adopting the NRL’s ‘six-again’ option - was also on the agenda.

The spokesman said: “Clubs also considered a presentation on recommendations from the RFL laws committee meeting earlier this month, focusing on the reasons for changes recommended for the 2020 season – which will also be carried forward to the July RFL board meeting.”

Super League clubs were meeting today to confirm their return to play plan, which is expected to see the competition return for a shortened season in August.