Virus strikes to cast a shadow over final
A FINAL decision on the 1895 Cup final will be made this morning after more Covid-19 issues hit the Wembley curtain-raiser.
The game was initially in doubt when several Featherstone players and staff – including coach James Webster – tested positive in midweek.
A second round of testing cleared enough
Rovers players for the game to go ahead but yesterday, opponents York found positive cases in their camp, with another batch of tests being needed today.
An RFL statement confirmed: “York had one positive in their round of lateral flow testing and after two other positive results in previous days, the multiple cases group require them to have a further round of testing on Saturday morning.”
The issue has cast a shadow over the buildup to the game, which offers clubs outside of Super League the chance to play at the national stadium.
Webster, whose team are unbeaten in the Championship this year, said: “Some players are distraught they won’t be going. But we’ve had a real philosophy this year that it is about team first.
“I’ve spoken to people and there hasn’t been a lot of depression around.
“We won’t be anything like the sides we’ve seen in the last month or two, but we’ve some good players who haven’t had enough opportunity this year and are going to get a go.” Webster and opposing coach James Ford used to car share when playing for Widnes.
Old taunts about Ford’s timekeeping and Webster’s frugalness have resurfaced this week – but now the focus has turned to whether enough players will be available.
If the fixture cannot go ahead, it will be held in the north later this year.