Pay cut

The pay cut for players on central contracts was made up of match fees, win bonuses and retainers with the 12-month period starting from 1 October.

"We need to recognise that our players, led by captains Joe Root and Eoin Morgan, have conducted themselves with great maturity and responsibility throughout this challenging time," England men's cricket managing director Ashley Giles said.

Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa made the proposal as parliament met for the presentation of the government's budget.

Finance minister Tevita Lavemaau presented the US$253 million budget, with a forecast US$25 million deficit for the year ahead.

Mr Lavemaau said he thinks this is Tonga's biggest budget deficit ever.

He added that a US$181 million loan from China is due to be paid in 2024, suggesting that Tonga plead with Beijing to cancel the repayment.

Parliament will debate the proposed salary reduction.

The governing body has confirmed it will continue to do whatever possible to support all clubs, though income streams are "badly affected" with no games staged at Murrayfield as the season remains suspended.

Scotland may also be unable to complete tours to South Africa and New Zealand in July, while there are even concerns over their home internationals scheduled for November, when they are due to play against Argentina, Japan and the All Blacks.

Williams became league’s highest paid player when he joined the Super League club on a two-year contract worth $10m, but with sport worldwide struggling from the impact of the pandemic, he would readily do his part to help the game financially.

“100 per cent, I would be that way inclined,” Williams told the UK’s Sky Sports News when asked about a pay cut.

“When it comes to taking pay cuts, to keep the game afloat, it would be crazy not to think that’s going to occur, especially with the way things are happening in the sporting world.

The NRL season got underway last week and is scheduled to continue behind closed doors from round two.

But there are concerns over the financial impact of playing without fans or the season possibly being suspended due to the coronavirus.

Greenberg said there was a possibility star players may be asked to take pay cuts if the season was hugely impacted.

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