Kenny Sykes gives his thoughts on a March return:
“You may have read the latest RFL press release which indicates the beginning of March as a potential start date for the new season with crowds returning in April. Obviously things are changing on a daily basis at the moment and we commend the work the RFL are doing in attempting to bring a degree of certainty to proceedings.
So what does this latest announcement mean for Hunslet?
On the team front we are now working through the RFL Return To Training (RTT) protocols, with a view to being back at the end of November The players have been training on their own for months and everyone is keen to get back as a group,
The Return to Train protocols have now been established and the need for testing after every session removed. Nevertheless stringent processes are required for everyone’s safety and we continue to work productively with the RFL and LCC to ensure effective plans are in place.
A March start date will obviously mean games being played behind closed doors. As well as revenue from a couple of league games we will also lose out on budgeted income from 3 pre-season friendlies, including the Harry Jepson Memorial Trophy against Leeds. Whilst not ideal it is by no means critical and we will be working hard to mitigate this loss.
Streaming of games is something we are actively pursuing but we recognise we have a duty to members and season ticket holders to provide games as part of their package.
The loyalty shown by members and season ticket holders in 2020 in wavering refunds has been exceptional. I really wish I could reward you all in some way in 2021 but the truth is we will be calling on that level of support again. Hopefully this will run to no more than a couple of missed games in March.
There is no doubt challenging times lie ahead but the collective effort from supporters, players, sponsors and Board members over the last 7 months has put us in a good position to ride the storm out . With your continued support we can emerge stronger.
And so we shall again”.
