“We’ve certainly missed them” – Warrington gearing up for return of fans

Warrington are gearing up for 4,000 fans at their 15,000 capacity Halliwell Jones Stadium for the visit of Huddersfield next Monday.

Friday’s opening round six game between Leeds and Wakefield at Headingley will be the last behind closed doors as Super League clubs prepare to take advantage of the relaxation of the coronavirus regulations.

The other five fixtures – at Castleford, Hull, Leigh, St Helens and Warrington – have all been pushed back to Monday, when sports clubs are permitted to fill a quarter of their ground capacity up to a maximum of 4,000 as part of the easing of the Government’s lockdown.

Warrington coach Steve Price says there is a growing feeling of anticipation.

He said: “All the players and staff can’t wait to get the fans back. We’ve certainly missed them and it will be great for families to get to watch their loved ones too.

“And, hopefully, within a couple of months we can start filling stadiums again.”

READ: Daryl Powell “happy to take abuse” from returning fans as regulations are eased

Warrington’s Australian forward Jason Clark believes it will be a strange feeling after playing in front of empty stadia for more than a year.

He said: “I remember our first game without a crowd was at Leeds and it was so strange and eerie. A year down the track, it’s the normal now.

“So I think having a crowd back will be a bit strange for a start but, once the stadium gets more full and things start to lift a bit more, it’s going to be good for the game.”

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