SUPER League chief executive Robert Elstone has said that discussions have already taken place on changes to the fixture format following yesterday’s decision to put the rugby league season on hold until at least April 3.

The decision to suspend the season was taken due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the Government’s decision to stop supporting mass gatherings.

With Saints already behind with fixtures due to the World Club Challenge and Catalans being three further behind there are already complications.

Elstone explained how changes may have to be made to the format when the fixtures eventually return.

He said: “It has to be very fluid. We’ve already talked internally and to the RFL about how we might accommodate that.

“Ultimately clubs want to protect their regular home season fixture list and that needs to take priority.

“There will come a point when it gets more challenging. But the message is that this is being monitored day to day and fixture lists will emerge on a similar basis subject to what the advice and messaging from Government is.”

The autumn’s Ashes Series could become a casualty of any prolonged disruption, with talks having already taken place with Queensland and New South Wales about moving the State of Origin series from the middle of the season to October and November.

That would clash directly with the Kangaroos’ scheduled visit to England.

Meanwhile, RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer says the governing body has not ruled out seeking Government help during the enforced lay-off.

“In the next couple of weeks, we intend to review everything,” he said.

“All the partners in the equation, which will include the Government and broadcast and commercial partners, are going to have to get their heads together and come up with solutions.

“No one party is going to solve this.”