Salford Red Devils have announced that their Super League match against Wakefield Trinity has been cancelled due to “serious concerns for the welfare of the players”. Salford's financial problems have left significant uncertainty over the club's future, prompting a wave of player departures.
Image: Salford Red Devils have cancelled Sunday's home game against Wakefield Trinity.
Salford Red Devils have cancelled Sunday's Super League match against Wakefield Trinity due to a lack of available players.
A club statement released on Friday evening said the decision was made due to “serious concerns for the welfare of the players” as only two experienced players and 15 academy graduates would be allowed to play in the home match.
Salford's financial crisis has left significant uncertainty over the club's future, with wage arrears, player exits and 19 defeats from 21 Super League games painting a bleak picture.
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While the club insist the decision is a one-off, the move inevitably casts doubt on their ability to complete the season with five games remaining.
A statement from the club read: “The Betfred Super League Round 22 match between Salford Red Devils and Wakefield Trinity scheduled for Sunday has been cancelled.
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Salford Red Devils manager Paul Rowley has admitted the club's situation is “difficult” as the financial crisis continues to worsen, following the defeat to Hull FC.
The club came to this decision reluctantly as there were serious concerns for the welfare of the players and consultations were held with the Rugby League, RL Commercial and Rugby League Cares.
The RFL say the result of the cancelled match will be decided early next week, with a Wakefield win looking the obvious outcome.
In keeping with the precedent set last month when Warrington Ladies lost to St Helens, Wakefield were rightly awarded a 48-0 win.
The move is the latest in a shock season for Salford, which has seen key players leave in recent weeks amid ongoing uncertainty over the financial health of its new owners.
A consortium led by businessman Dario Berta acquired the club ahead of the season in February but has failed to stabilise the situation at Salford.
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Hull Football Club and its fans have expressed their support for Salford as the Red Devils struggle financially.
Earlier this week the owners' group confirmed the club “will not close” despite the difficulties, but fans have planned a protest at the stadium ahead of the match with Wakefield.
Salford have increasingly had to part ways with youth internationals and academy players this season, although they have been given special permission to sign players on loan in recent weeks, including in the 80-6 defeat at Hull FC last week.
A club statement said: “Of the 17 players available for action on Sunday, only two experienced players have featured in Super League games in the last 12 months, with the remainder of the current squad coming from the Academy.”
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