\n Some aspects just seem objectively unfair, like for example, suspensions.\n<\/p>\n
\n Bradford Bulls hooker Mitch Souter picked up a deserved two-game ban for a dangerous tackle on Wigan Warriors\u2019 Jack Farrimond last Saturday.\n<\/p>\n
\n But as some readers have correctly realised, the little Australian can use Bradford\u2019s reserves game against London Broncos today to knock a match off that suspension.\n<\/p>\n
\n Souter is a first-team player, who almost certainly would not have been selected for the reserves today given his big minutes against Hull KR and the Warriors.\n<\/p>\n
\n But if that ridiculous loophole, which will also be exploited by Hull FC to wipe out Amir Bourouh one-match ban completely, exists why wouldn\u2019t head coaches use it?\n<\/p>\n
\n For me, your suspension should be served in the competition you picked it up in, because you start wandering into the unjust category.\n<\/p>\n
\n Keighley Cougars winger David Foggin-Johnston has a two-game ban for Grade D Head Contact for example, but he is not as lucky as Souter or Bourouh, because his team don\u2019t have a reserves side to allow him to \u2018play in\u2019.\n<\/p>\n
\n David Foggin-Johnston plays for Keighley, who don’t have a reserves side. (Image: Shaun Harrison)\n<\/p>\n
\n Most Championship clubs cannot afford that luxury, while in fact, Cougars cannot afford many luxuries at the moment, releasing a statement last week admitting they were choosing to \u2018live within their means\u2019<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \n It is little wonder, given the chaos that has befallen other Championship clubs this year, more on them later, but then you see the real-life impact that has had.\n<\/p>\n \n Keighley released Ben Dean and Eoin Bowie this week, with the official reason being \u2018limited game time\u2019 for the pair.\n<\/p>\n \n That is true, certainly based on Keighley\u2019s matchday squads so far this year, but it also makes no sense for Cougars, who are tightening their belts, to have excess salaries on their balance sheet.\n<\/p>\n \n Saying goodbye to Dean and Bowie will free up some much-needed cash for Keighley, but it is a shame it has to be this way.\n<\/p>\n \n Dean has been a popular half back ever since he arrived from Huddersfield Giants ahead of the 2024 season.\n<\/p>\n \n He would have played far more for Cougars had it not been for some terrible injury setbacks.\n<\/p>\n \n The 22-year-old, along with Bowie, has been hastily parachuted in by struggling North Wales Crusaders, more on them later, for this weekend, so let’s hope that ends up being a permanent home for him.\n<\/p>\n \n A lot is being made about objectively good things in Super League this year, Bulls bringing in five-figure crowds to Odsal again, the return of derbies between Bradford and Leeds Rhinos, as well as the two French clubs, record ticket sales for Magic Weekend etc.\n<\/p>\n \n \n And with all Super League games being televised too, eyes are on the sport.\n<\/p>\n \n But again, this is at the top level, whereas it feels as if the Championship is being left to rot.\n<\/p>\n \n And the only time second-tier clubs tend to be in the news currently is when there is some kind of financial strife or failed ownership.\n<\/p>\nAround 10,000 fans turned up to watch Bulls’ first game back at Odsal in Super League for 12 years, with their side beating Catalans on a Friday night in February. (Image: Alex Whitehead\/SWpix.com)\n<\/p>\n