Wakefield Trinity boss Michael Carter unsure if players will return to training on July 20

WAKEFIELD TRINITY CEO Michael Carter revealed he has “no idea” if his squad will return to training as planned on Monday week given they have still yet to reach agreement on wage cuts.
Wakefield Trinity's players are scheduled to come back for training on July 20, but onoging talks about pay cuts have yet to be resolved. Picture: Tony JohnsonWakefield Trinity's players are scheduled to come back for training on July 20, but onoging talks about pay cuts have yet to be resolved. Picture: Tony Johnson
Wakefield Trinity's players are scheduled to come back for training on July 20, but onoging talks about pay cuts have yet to be resolved. Picture: Tony Johnson

It has emerged this week that many Super League clubs have been locked in disputes with their players over pay once they are taken off furlough.

The top-flight competition is due to restart on August 2 but that could be threatened if matters are not soon resolved.

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Although the likes of Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos are among those who have settled matters, Carter admits he remains in talks with the Rugby League Players’ Association after two meetings this week.

Trinity agreed pay cuts with their players – and all staff – in April after the sport was shutdown the previous month.

Although not all at the same levels, each Super League club did likewise given they had essentially seen all sources of income run dry overnight.

On Thursday’s meeting with GMB union reps, Carter said: “They did get what I was saying; it was a very amicable discussion.

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“I told them the same as I did when we spoke on Tuesday; the plan that I put in place in April, as far as I’m concerned, still remains as nothing has materially changed on the financial aspect.

Wakefield Trinity head coach Chris Chester with owner and chairman Michael Carter. 
Picture Jonathan GawthorpeWakefield Trinity head coach Chris Chester with owner and chairman Michael Carter. 
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe
Wakefield Trinity head coach Chris Chester with owner and chairman Michael Carter. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

“And while I didn’t go as hard as some clubs back then, that’s because I had a plan that got us through until the end of November and break even.

“That plan is still on track but it does involve the reductions remaining.

“Ours ranged between 20 and 30 per cent on a monthly basis and, the highest effect over the course of the year, I think was something like 17 per cent.”

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Asked on what he thinks will happen, Carter conceded: “I’ve no idea whether they are coming back or not.

“We’re due to be (Covid-19) tested on Tuesday and return (training) on the 20th (of July).

“It’s safe to say there’s no certainty around our position at this moment in time. They (RLPA’s Garreth Carvell and Pete Davies) went away to speak to the players so we’ll see what happens but that’s where we’re still currently sat.”

Super League are expected to announce the new fixture list in the middle of next week.

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