Two Betfred Super League fixtures scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday July 11) have been postponed under the Covid-19 Fixture Protocols.
Hull FC have postponed their match against Leigh Centurions after a third member of their senior squad tested positive, whilst a fourth symptomatic player awaits the result of a PCR test. Four more members of their top 25 paid players are also required to isolate as close contacts, taking them to the threshold of seven senior players unavailable as a result of Covid-19 which permits a postponement.
Warrington Wolves have postponed their match at Hull KR after PCR tests took the total of confirmed positives in their senior squad to four players, in addition to three more required to isolate as close contacts – again taking them to the threshold of seven.
Both Hull FC and Warrington also have additional players from outside their top 25 ruled out through either positive tests or as close contacts, which in addition to a number of other selection issues has frustrated their attempts to do everything possible to fulfil the fixtures notwithstanding the Covid Fixture Protocols.
The clubs will now liaise with the RFL about a possible rearrangement of the fixtures – although the Betfred Super League table will again be determined by win points percentage to allow for the possibility of not all fixtures being fulfilled.
Hull FC also issued the following club statement:
“This fixture postponement is disappointing for all concerned having explored every option to field a team against Leigh Centurions.
The club assembled 17 available players to ensure the recent victory over Huddersfield Giants, but the effect of Covid-19 cases and self-isolation has further depleted our squad.
16 players were available for our final training session this morning, including potentially three academy debutants, but unfortunately additional test and trace protocols deem this is no longer viable.
Despite everyone’s best intentions, the welfare of our players and staff at this stage must remain paramount.
Four players are currently experiencing symptoms of coronavirus and are being monitored by our medical staff, but remain in good health.
These positive cases and self-isolation are understood to have been transmitted away from the club via friends and family members, however, our first-team training ground will be closed as a precaution.
The club is currently without 19 first-team or senior academy players due to Covid-19 protocols or long term injuries.
In addition, head coach Brett Hodgson is also self-isolating as a result of an external test and trace.
We would like to thank the RFL, Super League and Leigh Centurions for their understanding and cooperation.
We would also like to apologise to our members and corporate partners who were looking forward to attending this fixture and we hope to re-arrange the match at a later date.
Corporate guests will be contacted directly about their reservations.
We thank you for your unwavering support.”
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