Timely reprieve for Wakefield

WAKEFIELD Trinity have received a huge pre-season boost after paying off an outstanding tax bill that had threatened their future.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jan 2010, 08:55 BST
Updated 28th Jan 2010, 08:56 BST

The Wildcats – who begin their engage Super League season at Harlequins on Saturday – avoided a winding-up order in November by reducing their debt owed to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs from 353,000 to 194,000.

They were given 84 days to clear the rest of the debt and last night confirmed they had met the deadline.

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Wildcats executive director Diane Maskill said: "HMRC confirmed to the club today that they have withdrawn their petition and that is the end of the matter as far as we are concerned."

Despite admitting they would be "fools" to underestimate the Crusaders, Leeds Rhinos still feel confident enough to rest their England captain Jamie Peacock for tomorrow night's Super League opener.

The decision is not seen as a slight on the Welsh outfit as the champions have still named 15 of their victorious grand final squad in the 19-man group bound for Wrexham.

That group includes New Zealand World Cup winner Greg Eastwood ready for his debut, fellow newcomer Brett Delaney and ex-Australia Test captain Danny Buderus, for his first Super League game since July.

Bradford Bulls scrum-half Matt Orford will make his eagerly-anticipated first appearance in tonight's friendly at Craven Park against Hull KR.

Related topics:Leeds RhinosSuper League