Boxing Day Friendly Roundup: Only one game survives

In a programme that was supposed to have three matches, only one survived the recent climate this Boxing Day.

That match took place at Headingley. It saw the return of the Wetherby Whaler Challenge, which did not take place in 2020 because of the pandemic.

The other games at Bradford and Batley were called off because of the weather and Covid respectively.

Leeds 34-6 Wakefield

The Rhinos started their preparations for the 2022 season with a win over Wakefield at Headingley.

It was the visitors who took the early lead through young winger Lewis Murphy. But tries from Aidan Sezer on debut and Ash Handley turned the game around before the break.

However, the Rhinos would end the half down to 12 men, after James Donaldson was sent to the sin bin for a late hit on Harry Bowes.

Despite starting the second half a man light, Leeds were able to kick on. Handley grabbed his second just three minutes into the second half, Harry Newman grabbed himself a brace, and Tom Briscoe also got in on the act.

Young half-back Jack Sinfield kicked the final two goals for Leeds in his first professional appearance for the club.

Bradford P-P Halifax

Bradford’s friendly against Halifax at Odsal fell foul of the weather.

Heavy snowfall overnight in Bradford left the pitch covered, and despite the efforts of the groundstaff, the decision was made to call the game off.

In a statement, Bradford said that the two sides were working together to potentially rearrange the fixture.

Batley C-C Dewsbury

Unfortunately, due to positive Covid cases in both sets of teams, the Heavy Woollen Derby was cancelled.

Both clubs made the announcement on Christmas Eve, with both sides announcing fans would get their tickets refunded.

More: Boxing Day rugby league: Batley-Dewsbury postponed due to COVID

Capital Challenge also postponed

Also postponed is the Capital Challenge game between London Skolars and London Broncos in the New Year.

This is due to the latest situation in London with the pandemic. All parties felt as though it would be safer to hold it at a later date.

That later date will be the 18th March. However, considering the Championship season will have already started by that point, the Skolars will not be facing the Broncos.

The Skolars say they will be making another announcement in due course.

Read More: List of pre-season friendlies for 2022