Hunslet chairman blasts the RFL

Hunslet chairman Neil Hampshire has blasted the RFL’s decision to postpone this weekend’s League 1 fixture against Whitehaven.

The game has provisionally been moved to Sunday 20th April as the RFL have ruled last weekend’s postponed Challenge Cup tie between Whitehaven and Oxford has to take precedence.

Whitehaven were happy to play the cup game in midweek, but were unable to secure an agreement with their opponents.

Hampshire said “This is a real blow to us – in fact, the RFL did not even have the courtesy to tell us directly, leaving Whitehaven to contact and explain the situation, which to me is unacceptable.

“They no doubt knew the reception they would get. We have worked hard to promote this game and have over 80 people booked in for a Mother’s Day lunch and entertainment.

“They will be massively disappointed that the event has now had to be cancelled albeit through no fault of the club.

“I’ve left the RFL in absolutely no doubt as to my anger at this decision, but unfortunately they are just not prepared to listen.

“As a supporter owned club it is incredibly difficult to drive income streams and decisions like this do nothing to help.

“The decision also means we now have a month-long gap between home games which hardly helps build momentum.

“It’s a shame we find ourselves in this situation when there’s an obvious solution that the RFL aren’t prepared to take”