Bulls lose two points for salary cap breach
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bradford have become the second Super League club to be docked two points for breaching last year's salary cap. The Bulls, who won last season's Grand Final, have also been fined £25,000, £15,000 of it suspended, compared with the £50,000 fine imposed on Wigan last week.
The points deduction has a less dramatic effect on Bradford, leaving them still fourth in the table, now four points ahead of Salford.
Leeds, who lost to the Bulls in last year's Grand Final, have already said that they will not pursue a legal action against them alleging they won the title by cheating. "It would look like sour grapes," said the Leeds chief executive, Gary Hetherington, who is already embroiled in a court case with Bradford over their signing of Iestyn Harris.
Bradford pleaded guilty last night to spending between 52 and 55 per cent of their income on players' wages, rather than the 50 per cent allowed, with a top limit of £1.8m, and to conduct prejudicial to the game. A club spokesman said that they acknowledged the breach and accepted the deduction. Last night, the Bulls confirmed that they will not be appealing.
The Bulls are thought to have run into trouble through not receiving compensation to which they thought they were entitled from the New Zealand Rugby League when Shontayne Hape was injured on international duty.
Huddersfield will give their captain, Chris Thorman, as long as possible to recover from his hamstring pull and play for them in the Challenge Cup final against St Helens on 26 August. Thorman damaged the hamstring in the 26-12 defeat by Hull on Sunday and is considered doubtful for the biggest day in the Giants' recent history.
"It's not looking good, but with these sort of injuries a lot depends on the player" said the club's football manager Stuart Sheard. " Chris is a good trainer and he's fit. It's fingers crossed and we might have to leave it until the last minute." The loss of the England international, promoted to the full Great Britain squad, would be a blow for Huddersfield.
His logical replacement, Paul March, is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while the club's other stand-off, Kevin Brown, is on loan from Wigan and cup-tied. The only other half-back is the 19-year-old Tom Hemingway, who has made just three substitute appearances this season.
St Helens, on the other hand, have a fully fit squad with their coach, Daniel Anderson, claiming that there are places in the side for Twickenham still available.
Anderson left out two forwards, Lee Gilmour and James Graham, at Castleford on Sunday and still saw them win 72-4. "I would like to think that the players aren't sure what the cup final team will be," he said.
With Saints six points clear at the top of Super League, Anderson has hinted that he will rest more players on Saturday at the Catalans Dragons.
Hull's prop Paul King will face a disciplinary hearing today charged with a dangerous throw during the victory over Huddersfield.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments