New ruling allows clubs to move games forward

Salford are the first beneficiary of a new RFL ruling that allows clubs to request to move the game before a Thursday night televised fixture.

The Red Devils travel to Warrington for their Super League opener on Saturday, before their first home game against St Helens in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Thursday.

Coach Iestyn Harris said: “It’s something the RFL have brought in this year, that if you have a Thursday game you can request to bring the game before forward.

“We did do that, and thankfully Warrington agreed. We’re thankful for the six day turnaround.”

Despite the apparent player welfare justification behind the ruling, the Easter weekend where players can play two games within four days remains.

Harris added: “Easter’s Easter. You’ve got to deal with it. It’s been in the game for however long I’ve been involved as a player and a coach.

“Players actually strangely look forward to it, that challenge to get ready to play three afters after the first game.”

Another of Salford’s upcoming games has also been moved due to the new ruling. Hull visit the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday February 28, ahead of a televised game against Leeds the following week.