Fans in stadiums from October, should we just aim for next season im February? I would want the Challenge Cup scrapping personally yes, if 6 or 7 teams can’t play it makes it a farce.
For me that’s too long away. I’d make the 1895 cup into an old Northern Rail Cup competition and play it in January. League starts in February. Friendlies throughout December.
That sounds like a good plan to me. What is needed is for the RFL to make a decision, so that clubs can plan for the 2021 season (or indeed a 2020 season, if that is there decision).
From a fans point of view, the uncertainty could lead to indifference if it drags on too long. December will not feel too far away once plans for friendlies and fixtures in 2021 are announced. There will also be the interest in knowing about player outgoings and incomings for next season. I hope we can retain all or most of the players we have and bring in those much needed old heads in the pack. Interesting times ahead.
Like the idea of the NRC style 1895 Cup, could have 3 extra Home Games as per the old system...more revenue....could even start over the festive period for extra income?
Even if the RFL say the championship will resume & crowds can attend from September or October I cannot see how we could afford to restart the season with the cost of regular testing for Covid 19 etc. Even if fans are allowed back I doubt all would return if the virus is still around which is very likely. It said today the average death toll from covid is still over 80. I personally am in the vulnerable category & would not attend. As I have paid for my season ticket it is academic in my case but I cannot see many non season ticket holders wanting to attend if the y too are vulnerable.
On the Challenge Cup issue I cannot see our game being played. if we would lose 2 months of furlough money it would make no sense for us to take part.
Just about sums it up Geoffw!
The indecision just frustrates everyone and being another one of the 'V' for vulnerable brigade it seems a bit Trumplike to stick your neck out watching a no consequence game just to get your ST money's worth.
The club's finances matter more for next year and beyond imo. The introduction of foreign sides has and is making the Championship irrelevant for home fans without any obvious benefits other than a faint hope of the game taking the USA by storm.
Can't see it happening myself. Just getting our domestic game up to international level is enough of a challenge.
I see the spineless RFL have placed the onus on the Championship clubs whether to play in the CC, otherwise the SL clubs will get a bye. How can they expect a championship side to be able to afford the cost of coming out of lock-down early, to potentially play one game?
I would suggest the Championship teams come to an arrangement with a local amateur teams to play the game on their local park and ask the RFL to pay for any testing. Come on West Bank Bears!!
RFL in passing the buck shocker......
Not in the spirit of the Sport or the tradition of the Club in Cup Comps but withdrawing is the most sensible option....games scheduled for 22nd/23rd August, no point in unfurloughing now just for 1 game.
Championship clubs have been backed in to a corner. Not much choice other than to forfeit IMO.
Even without the financial element, what would be the point in putting your players up against full-time pros that will have had 4-5 weeks training and 3 games, when your part-time lads won't have played any games since March? Would be hard enough in a normal season.