We'll need fans like never before, says Adrian Lam

Super League is on lockdown until at least April 3 because of the coronavirus crisis which has swept the world.

It is widely expected games won’t resume until May at the earliest, with contingency plans drawn up which run until November.

Warriors’ executive director Kris Radlinski has already warned cash-flow over the coming weeks is a major concern, saying getting all clubs to the start line is their priority.

And coach Lam echoed his call to arms, saying: “When we’re going, we’ll need the fans to get through the games, otherwise there’s a chance of certain clubs collapsing.

“When we are back up and running, we’ll need the support of our fans and sponsors like never before.

“The health of people has to be the priority, and we have a lot of elderly fans who are more vulnerable – but we also need to make sure we take care of the game.

“I would presume a lot of rugby league clubs will be under the pump financially because of this.”

Hull KR owner Neil Hudgell estimated this postponement will cost each club £1m – which they will hope to recoup once the season resumes.

And St Helens chairman Eamon McManuss has already raised the prospect of the campaign running towards the end of November, which would presumably wipe out the scheduled Ashes series between England and Australia.

However the season is rescheduled, Lam says it may be demanding for players.

But he said: “Once we’re going, if we have to play midweek, we’ve got to do it.

“There’ll be some free weekends when the Challenge Cup games come up and if they’ve got to do a block of games, playing five days apart, it’s what we’ll have to do.

“But we won’t be able to plan like that until we know when we’re starting again.”

Wigan’s first-team players have been training in small training groups – each with a specified coach.