How Wigan Warriors may benefit if loan rules are changed

As it stands, a player needs to leave a club for a minimum of a month before he can be recalled.

But RFL bosses are to discuss cutting that time-frame, possibly to two weeks, to help clubs deal with changes brought on by Covid-19.

This year’s reserves competition has been shelves and the academy has been suspended due to the ongoing pandemic.

In addition, clubs won’t even have the option of dual-registration – effectively week-to-week loan arrangements with lower-league outfits – because of protocols around Covid-19 security.

It means players not in the first-team have nowhere else to play – unless they are released on loan to either a Super League or lower-league club.

But, of course, letting a player leave for at least a month could be a huge gamble if injuries or suspensions bite into the squad during that time frame.

Currently, a loan period can be extended beyond a month with a player recalled at any point by the parent club.

RFL chiefs will discuss making changes over the next few weeks, ahead of the start of the new season in late March.