Super League regular season to be determined by points percentage

Catalans Dragons are the new leaders of the Super League following a radical shake-up of the system with the season ongoing as the sport grapples with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Final positions in the regular season in 2020 will be determined for the first time by points percentage rather than the number of points gained.

The move by the Rugby Football League (RFL) acknowledges the possibility that not all clubs will be able to play the same number of matches before the end of the season due to the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.

So far there are six league fixtures to rearrange and, with six of the 11 clubs having players who have tested positive for the virus, the RFL is bracing itself for more disruption.

The radical changes come in immediately and the Dragons now top the revised table despite having played just seven matches, displacing reigning champions St Helens who have played 10.

The title will still be determined by a four-team play-off and a Grand Final.

The RFL says to qualify for the play-offs a team must have played a minimum of 15 matches, although it retains the right to review the stipulation.

In another move that recognises the potential strain on Super League clubs’ playing squads during the crisis, the RFL has also relaxed the salary cap for the 2020 season.

Clubs can now use any player on their register, including those recalled from loan spells, without impacting on the cap, provided the player has a value of £30,000 ($39,000) or less.

And if a player who has tested positive for Covid-19 is unable to return after the minimum isolation or return to play periods, his club will be allowed to sign a replacement.

RFL chairman Simon Johnson said: “As a board, we recognise the unique challenges this season has presented and the need for flexibility and creativity in response.

“It has been an immense logistical effort for all to get the Betfred Super League season up and running — we congratulate all involved, especially the players.

“Like other sports before us, and doubtless others to come, we have to recognise that this is not going to be a normal season,” he added.

“A number of fixtures have already been postponed, affecting some clubs more than others, and we have to allow for the possibility of that pattern continuing.”