Super League discussing relegation suspension, says Toronto chairman Bob Hunter

By PA Media

Image: Toronto Wolfpack are bottom of the table and favourites for automatic relegation after losing their opening six matches

Toronto chairman Bob Hunter remains confident of a resumption of the Super League season but says clubs are discussing the possibility of suspending relegation.

The newly promoted Wolfpack are bottom of the table and favourites for automatic relegation after losing their opening six matches but Hunter insists his views are not motivated by self-interest and that other clubs are supportive of the idea.

Hunter said: "We, amongst other clubs, have voiced our opinion that we don't think that this is a good year to do it but that's an RFL decision.

"It has nothing to do with our zero and six record and I know we're not alone in expressing that. The year has been so disruptive, I just don't think it's fair to any team."

Super League has been on hold since March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic and club representatives will discuss the latest situation during a video conference call today.

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Image: Super League's chief executive Robert Elstone is due to talk to clubs again today

The Wolfpack have played all six matches so far in England due to a combination of the harsh Canadian winter and the unavailability of their local authority-owned Lamport Stadium until April.

Their Easter fixture with Catalans Dragons in Perpignan is certain to be postponed and Toronto's run of three home games, starting with the visit of Hull FC on April 18, is set to follow suit.

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Both Toronto and the Catalans are affected by overseas travel restrictions and Hunter concedes his club may have to switch more fixtures to the UK.

"Everything is up in the air," Hunter said. "Until the restrictions are relaxed, we're in a bit of a no-man's land as to when we can start playing again.

"I think everyone is optimistic that we can play, realistically no-one knows what that might be.

"We're looking at a bunch of different options. There's lots of draft fixtures floating around - they're looking at extending the season by a couple of months and trying to bringing in midweek matches which are going to be tough on the players.

Image: Four unnamed Wolfpack players self isolated after experiencing "mild possible symptoms of COVID-19" earlier this month

"Governments will decide when we will be back and the other challenge is whether it is at similar dates. What may be the case in Canada may be different in the UK. The UK could be back quicker.

"It's complicated by the fact that the airlines aren't flying and that there are serious restrictions on global travel.

"It could end up that we have to play more games in the UK than we had planned but, if that is the only hardship, then we stand by what the league wants to do.

"If we actually can fit in 11 games in Canada, that's the ideal scenario, if it's a few less, not perfect but, I think if the league wants to start and Canada isn't ready, then certainly we're going to start, for sure."

While many Super League sides have already taken up the UK Government's furloughing initiative, the Canadian club are still looking at their options, with players paying tax in both countries.

Image: Sonny Bill Williams says it would be 'crazy' to not have to take pay cuts

Toronto's two-time World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams told Sky Sports News last week that he would be willing to take a pay cut 'to keep the game afloat'. The Wolfpack have already laid off office staff in Toronto.

"It's a very unique situation," Hunter added. "All the players are employees of a Canadian company so it's whether the players are eligible for that subsidy as UK and international residents. We are looking into it."

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