Hull FC ‘doing what needs to be done’ as they step in for Covid-hit Castleford Tigers to play Leeds Rhinos

Castleford revealed yesterday lunchtime three of their players had tested positive and another six had needed to stand down due to track and trace, along with one more who has seen family members contract the virus.

Add in a sizeable injury list, it means they say they were left with just 14 players for the Super League game at Emerald Headingley.

However, as Castleford became the seventh club hit by the pandemic, coach Daryl Powell said he planned to give a trio of players fitness tests today to try and get the game on.

Nevertheless, Super League announced at 10pm last night a change in plan.

Castleford have failed to raise a squad. Instead, Hull, who were without a game this week, will come in to face Challenge Cup finalists Leeds in their ‘home’ fixture initially scheduled for Round 18.

Black and Whites coach Andy Last told The Yorkshire Post: “We are doing what needs to be done for the good of the game.

“It’s a huge challenge as Leeds are in good form and confident after last week’s semi-final success over Wigan.

“But we are also coming into the game on the back of a hard fought win versus Castleford, too.

“The players have been extremely professional and understood the unique circumstances of playing at such short notice finding out this evening at 9.15. But we will be giving it our all and hopefully put in a big performance.”

The East Yorkshire club’s decision, at less than 24 hours’ notice, is all the more praiseworthy given they are without a dozen players themselves.

Hull revealed they have seen one positive Covid test this week, with a further three players being stood down through track and trace protocols, while also having eight more players missing through injury.

The Leeds versus Castleford fixture will now move to Round 18 with full details to be confirmed later.

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone said: “Super League clubs have responded exceptionally well to the challenges presented by Covid-19 and Hull FC have provided another example of this here.

“By stepping in to fulfil a fixture at such short notice they are a credit to the competition and we appreciate the level of inconvenience the club has faced in meeting this request.”

Speaking earlier about his squad’s Covid issues, Powell – whose side have lost seven of their eight games since the sport resumed in August – said: “This has obviously really rattled us as a group. We’re in a bit of trouble.

“With injuries as well we’ve got towards 20 players who are unavailable for different reasons which, I think, is unprecedented across rugby league.

“Obviously we want to play... but it looks an impossible task at the moment.”

Leeds v Hull remains at the original kick-off time of 7.45pm.

Rhinos, meanwhile, had to delay training yesterday as they awaited results of two inconclusive tests on their own players.

They came back negative, though, and the club was also not affected by a further positive case in Wigan’s camp after Saturday’s meeting between the sides.

Wigan had already seen two players record positive tests and that became three yesterday.

But track and trace analysis showed no Leeds players needed to stand down.

That said, with their Wembley appearance looming on Saturday week, head coach Richard Agar admitted everything happening has left his players anxious.

“I wouldn’t want to be the bloke to tell them they’re missing out on a showpiece final, especially if it’s through track and trace from an opposition team,” he said, before last night’s news.

In rugby union, Sale Sharks were yesterday forced to forfeit their final regular Premiership match against Worcester Warriors – and hopes of a top-four semi-final – after the number of positive cases in their camp rose to 27.