Postponed fixture causing a rift between two Yorkshire clubs
21st February 2020, Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, England; Betfred Super League, Warrington Wolves v Toronto Wolfpack : General Stadium view of the Halliwell Jones Stadium ahead of the game with the Official Betfred Super League Toronto Wolfpack match ball.
Bradford and Sheffield are locked in a verbal battle over if and when their previously postponed Championship fixture will go ahead.
The original fixture was postponed following a COVID-19 outbreak within the Eagles’ squad, with Bradford planning for the clash to be played Wednesday August 18.
The Bulls have gone to the RFL with this proposal, but Sheffield have hit back, stating that they will not play midweek due to player welfare issues.
Eagles head coach Mark Aston told the Sheffield Star: “Nobody has ever seen anything like it [the 2021 season] and the players’ welfare is something we shouldn’t play lip service with.
“That’s why I’m adamant we won’t play these games because I wouldn’t risk putting players out three times a week. It’s crazy if you want to do that.”
The 2021 season has been consistently plagued with coronavirus issues, and, with uncertainty surrounding whether or not the season will be extended, neither Bradford nor Sheffield appear willing to back down.