Maloney and Catalans teammates confined to homes

James Maloney and his Catalans teammates will train alone after being confined to their homes for four weeks after France imposed a near total lockdown and banned gatherings of more than 10 people in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Super League clubs have agreed to suspend the competition until April 3 but Catalans coach Steve McNamara said travel restrictions in France would leave the Perpignan-based club unable to train for a further two weeks, let alone play.

The Catalans players, who include Maloney, Israel Folau, David Mead, Sam Kasiano, Sam Moa and Jason Baiteri, have been sent individual training plans to maintain fitness for the next four weeks.

McNamara said he and the club’s off-field staff were also unable to hold meetings because of the restriction on group gatherings.

“France have just locked the country down for a minimum 15 days from midday tomorrow. You can’t leave home unless for essential trips - food basically,” McNamara said.

“Also in place until April 15 is a ban on 10 or more people together, including staff, so no training together even if we are allowed out of our homes by then. That may get extended also.

“We have given the boys individual programs which can be done at home but that’s all we can do for now. It’s different in England right now but they could go the same way as France eventually. It’s a huge impact on all.”

Catalans match against Leeds last weekend did not go ahead after the Rhinos refused to travel while a player was being tested for coronavirus and their games against Wigan and Warrington have been postponed due to the Super League hiatus.

If the competition resumes on April 3, Catalans will not be able to host Toronto on April 11 as scheduled due to the travel ban in France.

The Wolfpack are also in limbo after shutting down training this week while four players are tested for COVID-19.

Sonny Bill Williams has been cleared and the dual code superstar will undergo minor knee surgery in England but is not expected to miss any games.

His wife, Alana, and their four children arrived in England last weekend to be with him.

It is unclear if Wolfpack will be able to play their first three scheduled matches in Toronto on April 18, April 25 and May 2 against Hull FC, Wigan and St Helens.