SUPER League chief executive Robert Elstone believes £1million in central funding should be enough to enable the side coming into the competition to be competitive.

York City Knights are one of six clubs preparing an application to fill that 12th spot in Super League next season, left vacant by Toronto Wolfpack’s resignation from the competition earlier this year.

With £1m on the cards, the successful applicant could receive just over half of what top-tier teams have been bringing in this year as Super League clubs currently receive £1.8m from television revenue.

However, that is expected to go down for 2021 after Sky negotiated a rebate due to matches lost this season.

Player wage cuts are also anticipated.

“We debated (it) for quite some time,” Elstone said. “There were a range of views as to what we should be awarding and we came to a consensus that a million was a number that would allow a club to compete and build a squad that had a chance.

“But most fundamentally, there was a feeling that the whole economics of Super League are suppressed and the consequence would be that spending on player wages will be reduced and therefore, with that level of support from the centre, a club could be competitive.

“It was a combination of current economic climate, the player market and general affordability across Super League.”

Elstone also confirmed the intention to restore promotion and relegation at the end of 2021 “on the basis we’re all vaccinated and safe”.

Bradford Bulls are understood to be in the hunt for the 12th spot, along with Featherstone, Leigh, London and Toulouse.