Pay cut deal agreed by Wigan Warriors

The range of pay cuts range from club to club, but it represents a major stumbling block being overcome ahead of the season getting back underway on August 2.

“It’s massive news and it means the lads can concentrate on playing next week,” said Garreth Carvell of the Rugby League Players Association.

“Some situations were easier than others, a couple of clubs did struggle to get the deals through. But there are things happening away from rugby which are influencing the game.”

Carvell also admitted there are further reviews planned to monitor the situation given the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19.

“If there are any material changes such as crowds coming back earlier, or the RFL’s [£16m] government loan maybe becoming a grant, we can go and discuss it with clubs,” he added in the Guardian.

“But similarly if something happens the other way, such as a second spike in the virus or more games behind closed doors, we will speak with clubs too.

“Getting the players back to 100 per cent of their salary is the goal, but we need to protect jobs too in case something goes the other way.”

Also at Thursday’s Super League meeting, Toronto Wolfpack owner, David Argyle outlined his case for the Canadian outfit to return to the competition in 2021.