COACH Lee Greenwood says Dewsbury Rams agreed to the rearrangement of their Championship match at Swinton in order to take advantage of the return of fans to grounds “for the overall good of the game”.
The match is one of eight in Super League and the Championship pushed back to next Monday, May 17, when spectators can return to sports grounds, albeit in limited numbers, under the government roadmap for easing coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Five out of six top-flight clashes, Castleford v Hull KR, Hull v Catalans, Leigh v Wigan, St Helens v Salford and Warrington v Huddersfield have also been changed, as have the Championship games between Featherstone and Oldham and Bradford and Newcastle.
The logistics of playing on a weekday evening provide particular challenges for part-time teams, like the six in the Championship.
“It makes life more difficult and it’s certainly simpler to play on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon,” admitted Greenwood.
“But there is also the significance of getting spectators back into grounds, and we understand why some clubs wanted to play on the Monday.
“Swinton asked us the question, and we were happy to agree to their request in the spirit of the game as a whole.
“As a club, we like to think we have a friendly rivalry with our opponents and are respected by them.”
Castleford coach Daryl Powell is another who is looking forward to having supporter in the ground next Monday evening.
“It would be hard to put into words how good that will be for everyone,” said Powell.
“I can’t put into words how special it will be.
“Players are so motivated by people being in the stadiums.
“Without the fans it has been incredibly tough but the players have been enormous and I’m pleased for them that the fans will be back for our next game.”