List of Super League points deductions
With today’s news that Salford have had two points taken off them for fielding 14 players, Love Rugby League takes a look at the other Super League sides to have been punished with deductions since summer rugby league began in 1996.
Wakefield were the first club to be deducted points in the Super League era when they were found to have spent more than 60% of their income on player wages in the 2000 season. This resulted in two points being taken off them in the 2001 season and they only just avoided relegation by finishing one point in front of Huddersfield.
In 2003 Halifax, Hull FC and St Helens were docked two Super League points each for breaching the salary cap the previous season. While Hull and St Helens‘ final positions were not really affected by the punishment, Halifax ended the season on zero points and were relegated.
Powerhouses Bradford and Wigan were the next teams to suffer when in 2006 they were also found guilty of breaking the salary cap. Both clubs were docked two points in 2006, and then in 2007 Bradford were deducted another two points while Wigan had four taken off them.
In 2011 it was Wakefield’s turn for a second deduction as they had four points docked for going into administration. The Wildcats finished second bottom with the only team below them being Welsh side Crusaders – who were also deducted four points for the same offence.
Last season saw Bradford become the first Super League club to be deducted points on three separate occasions. In times of real turmoil off the pitch the Bulls were docked six points for entering administration, however the playing staff battled on to record a respectable ninth place finish.
2001 – Wakefield – Salary Cap Breach – 2 points
2003 – Halifax – Salary Cap Breach – 2 points
2003 – Hull – Salary Cap Breach – 2 points
2003 – St Helens – Salary Cap Breach – 2 points
2006 – Bradford – Salary Cap Breach – 2 points
2006 – Wigan – Salary Cap Breach – 2 points
2007 – Bradford – Salary Cap Breach – 2 points
2007 – Wigan – Salary Cap Breach – 4 points
2011 – Wakefield – Administration – 4 points
2011 – Crusaders – Administration – 4 points
2012 – Bradford – Administration – 6 points
2013 – Salford – Fielding Extra Man – 2 points
