Super League reserves fixture cancelled by the RFL

Hull KR have announced this morning that the RFL has cancelled their reserves fixture against Leigh Leopards this weekend.

The reserves have been re-introduced in recent years after they left the game the game with more focus on the Under 19s and Under 16s with the first teamers not getting a game being sent out on dual registration to Championship clubs.

However, despite the return of a reserves grade in Super League, the dual reg system continues as does the academy fixtures.

This has led many coaches, such as Ian Watson, to say that the quality of the reserves system isn’t high enough to provide meaningful game time for their players not involved in first team action.

This is perhaps why in the last two weeks Castleford have sent Suaia Matagi, Mahe Fonua and Daniel Smith to Halifax Panthers on dual-reg.

Leeds Rhinos sent James McDonnell and Liam Tindall over to Bradford Bulls, Salford Red Devils sent Amir Bourouh and James Greenwood to Barrow Raiders.

Thus, clubs seemingly are putting a focus on dual reg this year instead of using the reserves.

Now the reserves have been struck by another blow with the cancellation of this fixture.

The reasons behind this decision is not yet clear.

The Robins are set to take on Leigh in Super League this week hoping to start the season with three consecutive wins for the first time in Super League.