Rugby league doing “everything in its power” to deliver a Super League Grand Final this year
Rugby Football League chairman Simon Johnson says the sport is “doing everything in its power” to deliver a Super League Grand Final in 2020.
The RFL has announced that final positions in the regular season in 2020 will be determined by points percentage rather than the number of points gained.
The Super League title will still be determined by a four-team play-off and a Grand Final.
The RFL says to qualify for the play-offs that a team must have played a minimum of 15 matches, although it retains the right to review the stipulation.
In another move that recognises the potential strain on Super League clubs’ playing squads during the crisis, the RFL has also relaxed the salary cap for the 2020 season.
Clubs can now use any player on their register, including those recalled from loan spells, without impacting on cap, provided the player has a value of £30,000 or less.
And, if a player who has tested positive for Covid-19 is unable to return after the minimum isolation or return to play periods, his club will be allowed to sign a replacement.
RFL chairman Johnson said: “As a board, we recognise the unique challenges this season has presented – and the need for flexibility and creativity in response.
“It has been an immense logistical effort for all to get the Betfred Super League season up and running.
“Like other sports before us, and doubtless others to come, we have to recognise that this is not going to be a normal season.
“A number of fixtures have already been postponed, affecting some clubs more than others, and we have to allow for the possibility of that pattern continuing.
“These decisions, regarding the rearrangement of fixtures, amendments to the salary cap, and most significantly a new way of determining the league positions, are a realistic and sensible response to those issues – and we hope they will be welcomed by players, coaches, supporters and other stakeholders in that manner.
“The whole sport is doing everything in its power to deliver a Betfred Super League Grand Final later this year that will see the crowning of our 2020 champions.”
Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.