Hull FC step in to face Leeds after Castleford players test positive for coronavirus

Hull FC are stepping in to provide last-minute opponents for Leeds tonight after Castleford were pulled out of the Super League round 15 fixture.

Tigers coach Daryl Powell announced on Wednesday that he had just 14 players available after three returned positive Covid-19 tests and a further six were stood down as part of track and trace protocols.

Powell had offered to test three of his 11 injured players on the morning of the match in an effort to get enough to field a team but the Super League stepped in to take the decision away from the club after Hull FC, who had no fixture this week following the withdrawal of Toronto, agreed to plug the gap.

The Black and Whites are without several players themselves, following one positive Covid-19 test, with a further three players being stood down through track and trace protocols, plus a further eight players missing through injury.

However, after extensive consultation with the club’s coaching staff and senior players group, they've decided to fulfil the fixture for the good of the sport.

Despite the short notice, the players and staff have recognised and understand first-hand the challenges that Covid-19 presents and they believe this is a time for the sport to remain unified.

The club standby their decision and we are extremely proud of their commitment and dedication to the sport.

Executive Chairman Robert Elstone said:

“Super League clubs have responded exceptionally well to the challenges presented by Covid-19 and Hull FC have provided another example of this here.

“By stepping in to fulfil a fixture at such short notice they are a credit to the competition and we appreciate the level of inconvenience the club has faced in meeting this request.”

The fixture between Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos – initially scheduled for Round 18 – will be classed as a home game for Hull FC.