Dezzies_right_hook wrote:
The problem was firstly the bubble had to isolate and also the rules made it easy to do around 80% of the cancelled games could have been played just not with the ideal starting 17 and it would possibly result in a loss
but the rules at the time wouldn't allow it. Huddersfield were prepared to fulfil their away fixture at wigan by playing academy players who had no game but because 7 players had tested positive the RFL wouldn't allow it.
Huddersfield then fulfilled a game with just 17 players named, with 5 called up on international duty, just after the club had had to close their training ground on rfl orders. Others ruled out due to 7 day covid protocol, and one player who returned having lost 8kg - but they played and unlike e.g. Saint Helens didn't prevent their best players being selected for international duty.
The RFL later then fined Huddersfield when they had one fewer than the number required to postpone, whilst having 10 other players out injured or suspended and the RFL expected the academy lads to double up and play after they had had just played their own fixture. Just goes to show the RFL don't give a fig for player welfare and it didn't pay to be honest. and some clubs weren't.