Bradford chief questions integrity of Toronto “on the road” games

Bradford chairman Andrew Chalmers believes the Bulls are at a disadvantage when they travel to Canada this weekend.

Toronto played their first home game at Lamport Stadium over the weekend, beating Swinton 52-6.

But Chalmers isn’t happy that some of their rivals have been able to play the Wolfpack on these shores.

Widnes played their Toronto “away” game at Newcastle’s Kingston Park, Batley had to travel to Craven Park in Hull and Sheffield visited Toronto at the New River Stadium in London.

Chalmers told the club’s official website: “Whilst being firmly committed to international expansion I do think the RFL hasn’t got it quite right yet.

“The club and our fans are travelling intercontinental to play an away fixture with all the challenges that presents, whereas some of our rivals will not be similarly tested, with Toronto choosing to play some of their home fixtures in the UK.

“This can’t be right from a competition integrity perspective?

“More importantly for the sport, it has to make sense of the terms under which overseas teams are allowed to participate and how their rights and privileges are measured against those of the RFL’s existing membership.

“I won’t repeat my arguments of the past but Catalans Dragons privileged position sucks millions of pounds out of the British game – for what?

“A sunshine weekend away for supporters to fill the coffers of the Perpignan’s hoteliers and restaurateurs?

“Hardly looks like smart business from a British Rugby League perspective. Hoping the problem goes away isn’t a resolution.”