The RFL have released a statement following Salford Red Devils’ decision to pull out on Sunday’s Super League fixture with Wakefield Trinity. The two sides were due to go head to head this weekend in round 22 of the competition.
However, following an emergency meeting on Friday afternoon, the decision was made to call Sunday’s fixture off on Salford’s request. It comes with the Red Devils finding themselves increasingly short of numbers following a mass exodus of players in recent weeks.
Due to the ongoing financial uncertainty, a series of players have opted to leave the club, meaning Salford had to field nine loan players last week for their Super League clash with Hull FC, which they lost 80-6. That was after receiving an RFL dispensation around loan players.
However, many of those loan players have now returned to their parent clubs and Salford have not brought in replacements. It means that with less than 48 hours to go until Sunday’s game, the club were unable to name a 17.
Consequently, the Red Devils took the decision to pull out of the game, forfeiting the contest. The result of the game will be decided by the RFL board, but standard procedure would be for Wakefield to be handed a 48-0 win.
The governing body have now released a statement to explain the situation.
RFL release statement on Salford Red Devils’ cancelled Wakefield Trinity fixture
“The RFL, Rugby League Commercial and Rugby League Cares have been in discussions with Salford Red Devils throughout the week regarding their difficulties specific to Sunday’s scheduled Betfred Super League fixture against Wakefield Trinity,” a statement posted on the RFL website and social channels read.
“At a meeting on Friday afternoon, Salford advised that they had taken the decision to withdraw from the fixture, and explained their reasoning.
“The outcome of the fixture will be determined by the RFL Board early next week in line with the RFL Operational Rules, and discussions will continue with the club about their scheduled fixtures in Rounds 23-27.”
