Reserves clash cancelled at the request of Super League club

A lot is often made about the reserves concept in Super League.

Once upon a time it was common place and was a strong competition allowing young players to develop and first teamers not playing to get game time.

It was ideal for stars returning from injuries and also meant that the sport could keep hold of late bloomers, those young players who take a little longer to mature.

Its end was hugely controversial but it has now been brought back but at the present moment it is struggling to serve its purpose.

In time it will surely grow back to the level it once was but for now teams are going to have to deal with what they have got.

Huddersfield Giants have now confirmed that their next reserves game will be cancelled at the request of opponents Leigh Leopards.

The Giants made the following statement:

“Saturday’s Reserve fixture vs Leigh Leopards has been cancelled at the request of the visitors

“The game was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 13th May, 12:00pm at Laund Hill, but will no longer be taking place.”

Giants boss Ian Watson has been open in the past about his opinions on reserves grade:

“It’s massive for us, I always remember when the reserves were reserves and the level of competition that entailed was huge. In terms of development and getting younger players going up against men you saw where they were at and if they could handle it, or if they needed more development.

“For us last week to have the team that we had in the reserves I think it was a positive for that competition. You’d like every team to be able to approach it that way as well but obviously some teams don’t have that depth in squads so they rely on the younger players.

“That’s probably where that competition is at the moment, there’s probably a little built of an imbalance but there’s some great players and great teams in there.”