Multiple games a week concerning for players, says Stevie Ward

Drew Darbyshire

Leeds captain Stevie Ward would have concerns over player welfare if clubs were asked to play multiple games a week in a bid to complete the Super League season.

The rugby league campaign has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic, with a return date yet to be finalised.

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington recently revealed that clubs could have to play three games a week in order to fulfil the Super League campaign.

Ward said: “As a player, I would immediately have a concern of how many games you play in a week.

“Its a collision sport, it is a brutal game and there are only so many players that teams have in their squad so how much would a condensed season affect players in terms of injuries?

“The player welfare side of the game is something to think about but I understand we need to think about getting games done as well.

“But we then have to think about the quality of games as well. If there are a few games in a week then there are going to be some tired players out there.

“There won’t be games that we are used to seeing I guess – games which are 100%, with teams going all out.”

 

 

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