AFTER an enforced absence of nine months, Roughyeds were back in training for the first time last night (Tuesday) as pre-season work for the 2021 Betfred Championship campaign got under way.
In typical pre-season weather — constant rain — the players were delighted to be back in the old routine, doing what they love best as a squad, albeit “different” this year because of anti-Covid protocols.
After following these RFL protocols each step of the way, including online training for all players and staff, the club eventually got written confirmation of permission to return to training just two hours before the start of the session.
After such a long break, and restrictions on the kind of training players have been able to do away from the club, it was always going to be a test for all concerned, both physically and mentally.
One player who didn’t enjoy it was Cameron Leeming, who literally lasted two minutes before breaking his nose badly after a clash of heads with new-boy Ryan Ince. Leeming was forced to sit out the rest of the session before heading to hospital in Leeds.
Chairman Christopher Hamilton said:
”A lot of work by all concerned has gone into getting us to this stage. The lads were chomping at the bit to get back to training. A few of them will be feeling it tomorrow, no doubt, but importantly we have taken a big step towards some kind of normality with the ultimate aim of playing matches in front of our fans as soon as possible."
