Salford Red Devils have been hugely disappointed by the RFL’s decision to impose a £15,000 fine, due to the Club’s inability to fulfil a 2020 Betfred Super League fixture as a result of player welfare concerns.
Super League and the RFL were informed that only 13 players were available for selection in the match, which was set to be the team’s third of a congested schedule where they were expected to play four times within the space of 11 days.
In order to ensure the continuation of the competition, Salford Red Devils had agreed to a concentrated fixture list, which was made more severe by the team’s progression to the Coral Challenge Cup Final. The Club made every effort to fulfil all fixtures, with additional recruitment to the squad despite no threat of relegation, and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols, which prevented rescheduling as a consequence of outbreaks within the Red Devils group.
Two young players were also promoted from the academy and made their Betfred Super League debuts. The decision was made that it would be a risk to the welfare of these players and those who had recently returned from injury, to expose them to 80 minutes in opposition to senior players that compete at international level, without any possibility of interchanges.
At a time when other sports have been criticised for their approaches to player welfare, Salford Red Devils are disappointed that the RFL have not supported the stance taken by the Club. This will not alter the Club’s priorities and approach going forward.
The RFL statement can be read in full HERE.
