Why behind closed doors rugby league would mean 'financial ruin' for Hunslet

Thornton confirmed the semi-professional, supporter-owned club are opposed to Betfred League One continuing this year without crowds being allowed into matches.

The prospect now seems to have been dropped following a survey of all lower division clubs.

And outlining Hunslet’s stance, Thornton said: “We could not afford that, on top of the testing costs."

He warned: “With no revenue, it would have been financial suicide for us really.

“We just could not afford to do it, it would have been financial ruin if we went down that road.

“That was our recommendation, that we wouldn’t be able to play behind closed doors.”

All rugby league in this country was suspended on March 16 because of coronavirus.

A Rugby Football League (RFL) board meeting on Monday failed to make a decision on whether the 2020 Championship and League One seasons will restart.

The situation will be discussed by the RFL board on the next two Mondays and a deadline of Thursday, July 23 - just 10 days before Betfred Super League returns - has been set for a final ruling.

The RFL’s survey, called after a previous meeting failed to reach agreement, revealed most clubs outside the top-flight feel it is “impractical” to play behind closed doors.

But a “small majority” were in favour of keeping open the possibility of resuming the campaign, if social distancing rules are eased and crowds allowed back.

A frustrated Thornton admitted: “We are no further forward, we are waiting on a decision again.”

He said: “Have they got some information that suggests there might be some chance of playing in front of a crowd?

“I don’t know, it seems they are not rushing into a decision and they are waiting to see the results of the relaxation of government guidelines.

“The survey seems to suggest they have ruled out the possibility of playing behind closed doors, because of the cost, but the big one for me is the decision on [if there will be] promotion and relegation.

“If that filters down through all three divisions there’s not much purpose in playing.”

Thornton revealed Hunslet are drawing up contingency plans for playing again in 2020 and also in case there is no action until next year.

“We are looking at what our potential start point could be, budget-wise, under both scenarios, one if we play and one if we don’t,” he said.

“Until a decision is made on that we don’t know which one to apply, so it is a bit frustrating we’ve still got two mweeks to wait.

“I can’t negotiate a contract with a player yet until I know the starting position for next year’s budget.

“It is a tricky situation and until that decision is made we are no wiser. It means everything on hold for a further two weeks, by the look of it. It is really frustrating, until we get decisions we are just in limbo.”

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