Bad weather forces cancellation of testimonial against Super League side

One club have had to postpone their own player’s testimonial match against Super League opposition on account of the bad weather.

The UK is currently going through a cold snap that has seen temperatures plummet and snow blanket parts of the nation, particularly much of the North and specifically Yorkshire.

Unfortunately, that is where a handful of pre-season friendlies were slated to be played this weekend including the testimonial game for Halifax Panthers’ James Saltonstall.

The Panthers were set to face Super League opposition Warrington Wolves on Sunday but Fax have confirmed that the fixture has been postponed on account of the adverse weather.

Both Halifax and Warrington relayed information on the postponement to their fans with each club set to provide further updates on the possible rearrangement.

A statement from Halifax explained the reasons for the cancellation as they relayed a Met Office warning that spoke of the “extremely dangerous” conditions expected to hit the area this weekend.

The club statement read: “Halifax Panthers can confirm that our pre season friendly against Super League side Warrington Wolves scheduled for this Sunday 12th January has been postponed.

“Due to heavy snow and freezing temperatures across the region, the decision has been made to postpone the fixture at The Shay to a later date.

“The match, which was scheduled as the opening event of Panthers winger James Saltonstall’s Testimonial Year, has fallen victim of the current weather forecast across Calderdale. We will look to reschedule for another date as soon as possible.”

The Met Office issued the following warning: “A yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place and an amber cold health alert is in effect from 12pm today (6 January) until 12pm on 12 January across Yorkshire and the Humber. It is forecasted that temperatures will not rise above freezing point throughout this week and potentially into the weekend, not helped by an easterly wind. We urge you to avoid non-essential travel during the forecasted icy weather conditions over the next few days. The colder weather is very likely to cause extremely dangerous icy conditions.”

The Warrington team had been expected to largely comprise young players from the Reserves and Academy teams.

As it stands, there is expected to be one Super League club in action this weekend with Castleford Tigers slated to face Sheffield Eagles for the testimonial of Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e although the weather could yet force that to be postponed.