Weak Bulls face fine
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.The Super League title-chasers Bradford Bulls are risking a heavy fine by fielding a weakened team for their final league game of the season at Hull tomorrow.
The Super League title-chasers Bradford Bulls are risking a heavy fine by fielding a weakened team for their final league game of the season at Hull tomorrow.
The Bulls coach, Matthew Elliott, has one eye on next Friday's play-off opener at either Wigan or St Helens and has decided to rest 10 first-team players for a game that cannot affect the club's third-place finish.
Elliott includes the Alliance trio of Gareth Stanley, Chris Birchall and Craig McDowell in his senior squad for the first time while four other youngsters - Paul Sykes, Rob Parker, Gareth Handford and Alex Wilkinson - have just 13 Super League appearances between them.
Yesterday the Rugby Football League director of rugby, Greg McCallum, said: "Section three of by-law 23 states that clubs must field full-strength teams in all games unless they provide a satisfactory explanation."
Leeds were the last club to be punished for fielding a weakened team. They were handed the then record fines of £8,000 and £12,000 (half suspended) for putting out virtual reserve sides against St Helens and Bradford in the run-up to their appearance in the 1994 Challenge Cup final.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments